Shotgun shoot down: 1 RIFLES soldiers train to take out drones with Mossberg 590M

Riflemen from the Chepstow-based 1st Battalion The Rifles have been assessed on the identification, tracking and jamming of 'enemy' drones, as well as precision shooting against a FPV (First Person View) drone at range.

The training, which took place in Sennybridge Training Area (SENTA) in Wales, has come about from lessons learned in modern wars such as Ukraine and Gaza. 

The 'layered defence' approach involves using a combination of kit and sensors including the Mossberg 590M shotgun. 

• Army's new drone degree will help soldiers tackle near-surface threats
• Trust your gut: How one soldier transformed his military skills into civilian success
• Milestone reached: RAF Protector drone passes 'advanced weapons' test

Major Alex Aitken, Officer Commanding B Company of 1Rifles, told BFBS Forces News the process starts with "acoustic sensors that are listening out for drones in depth. 

"Then it switches to radio frequency sensors that are trying to detect the radio signals that control drones. Then you move towards jammers where jamming drones in the air.  

"Then we're using our rifles and machine guns to destroy the drones." 

Major Aitken described the shotgun as the "final level of defence" along with the key skills and drills. 

Drone warfare has rewritten the rules of modern fighting, with attack drones also known as UAVs (uncrewed aerial/aircraft systems) now responsible for more than 80% of all battlefield casualties in Ukraine.  

The ability for soldiers to both operate and counter drones in the 'near-surface' battle space is essential to staying alive.  

Major Aitken highlighted, however, the skills of shooting down drones is not just for infantry battalions. 

"Everyone needs this skill, to not be vulnerable on the modern battlefield." 

As anti-drone training expands across the British Army, the future could see a section of soldiers include at least one counter-drone operator, who would use kit such as a drone sensor, drone jammer or shotgun to protect fellow troops. 

Corporal Luke O'Neill from B Company 1Rifles told BFBS Forces News the shotgun takes getting used to, as there's "a bit more recoil because it's pump action," compared to the British Army's primary weapon, the SA80 rifle. 

When it comes to shooting down a moving target such as drones, Cpl O'Neill says you have to take in to consideration "the movement and where your shots actually go," because if the firer focuses purely on the target, they could end up shooting into an area they don't want to. 

He added: "So it's focusing on the target, making sure your target acquisition is correct so you can see it clearly and making sure you're aware of the surrounding area."