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Crane Today
By the People, for the People
U.S. Navy Develops "Drone Killer Cartridge" for Small Arms
New ammunition designed to increase probability of hit and kill against drone threats while reducing collateral damage
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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The Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana has designed and developed a new family of ammunition called the Drone Killer Cartridge (DKC) that is intended to enhance the ability of warfighters to defend against drone threats using small arms. The Marine Corps plans to broadly implement the DKC due to its improved capabilities compared to existing options.
Why it matters
As drone technology becomes more advanced and accessible, the U.S. military is seeking new ways to counter the growing threat posed by these unmanned aerial systems. The DKC represents a cost-effective kinetic solution that can be deployed at the operator level to improve the effectiveness of small arms against drone targets while minimizing collateral damage.
The details
The Drone Killer Cartridge was developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana. The new ammunition is designed to increase the probability of hitting and destroying drone targets using small arms, while also inherently reducing the risk of collateral damage. The Marine Corps plans to broadly leverage the DKC due to its enhanced capabilities compared to existing options.
- The DKC was designed and developed in 2026 by the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana.
The players
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane)
A division of the U.S. Navy's research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) facilities that is located in Crane, Indiana and focuses on various weapons and technology programs.
Col. Andrew Konicki
The Program Manager of Ground Based Air Defense for the Program Executive Officer Land Systems in the U.S. Marine Corps.
What they’re saying
“The Marine Corps plans to broadly leverage DKC for its enhanced capabilities and implement at the operator-level.”
— Col. Andrew Konicki, Program Manager of Ground Based Air Defense, Program Executive Officer Land Systems (PRNewswire)
The takeaway
The development of the Drone Killer Cartridge represents the U.S. military's efforts to stay ahead of the growing threat posed by drones, providing warfighters with a cost-effective kinetic solution to engage these targets more effectively using small arms while minimizing collateral damage.