Ukrainian Volunteers Develop Anti Drone Shotgun Adapters for Assault Rifles (Video)

Ukrainian volunteer group DrukArmy has developed 3D printed shotgun adapters for assault rifle ammunition to enhance the military’s ability to counter drones. The new adapter, designed to be used with 4 millimetre lead shot, replaces the bullet of a standard cartridge. This innovation allows soldiers to fire shotgun style rounds from automatic rifles, making them more effective against low flying enemy drones.

The adapters are available for Soviet calibre 5.45×39 and 7.62×39 ammunition, as well as NATO standard 5.56×45 rounds. When loaded, the modified ammunition is fired normally through the rifle barrel. The lightweight and cost effective nature of the design means the adapters can be produced rapidly with 3D printers and supplied directly to frontline units.

DrukArmy, a volunteer initiative supporting Ukraine’s military with 3D printed equipment, has been producing a wide range of essential supplies including drone dropped shells, landmines, medical gear, spare parts for rifles, radios, and other critical battlefield tools. All of their products are supplied to Ukrainian forces free of charge. To request specific equipment, military personnel can register on the DrukArmy website, undergo verification, and gain access to their catalogue of 3D printed solutions.

The first known use of improvised shotgun style ammunition in the war came from Russian forces, who shared homemade designs in December 2024. Their version used simple plastic tubes or special containers to modify rifle rounds. However, the Ukrainian adaptation is more refined and widely adopted due to its practicality and accessibility.