US Marine Corps fields new 5.56mm anti-drone round for M4, M27 rifles

Published Jul 31, 04:16 PM UTC

The U.S. Marine Corps is acquiring a new 5.56mm anti-drone cartridge called the Drone Round 5.56 L Variant, designed to be fired from standard M4 carbines and M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles. The round separates into five projectiles after firing to increase the probability of hitting small drones. The Marine Corps has purchased 400,000 rounds and plans to buy another 1 million in fiscal year 2027. Deliveries to ammunition supply points are underway and expected to be completed by September. The round is effective up to 100 meters, requires no weapon modifications, and is suppressor-compatible. It provides a last-line defense against drones, including those controlled by fiber optic cables that cannot be jammed. The acquisition is part of a broader Marine Corps effort to counter drone threats, which includes establishing attack drone teams and fielding advanced fire control systems like the SMASH 2000L.