{
  "id": 9439743,
  "title": "Russia plans to roll out a special anti-drone 'Matryoshka doll' bullet that can be used in any standard Kalashnikov AK-47 rifle",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/russia-plans-to-roll-out-a-special-anti-drone-matryoshka-doll-bullet",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T23:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/pro/russia-plans-to-roll-out-a-special-anti-drone-matryoshka-doll-bullet-that-can-be-used-in-any-standard-kalashnikov-ak-47-rifle"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Russia is currently testing a unique anti-drone bullet that can be loaded into standard Kalashnikov AK-47 rifles. This innovative ammunition is designed to split apart during flight, dispersing multiple projectiles from a single round. The concept has been likened to a Matryoshka doll, as several elements are contained within one projectile before separating in mid-air.\n\nThe military testing revealed that the separated elements were able to reach critical components inside drones, such as batteries, electronic boards, and power-related parts. These components are essential for drone operation, which makes the cartridge's intended use for aerial targets highly relevant. However, the effectiveness of the ammunition against protected personnel remains uncertain, as body armor could potentially reduce its penetrating effect.\n\nMilitary expert Yury Knutov explained that the ammunition is intended for troops who may encounter drones without access to specialized counter-drone weapons. The multi-part cartridge is designed to fit standard rifles, eliminating the need for specialized counter-drone platforms. The reported ammunition uses the 5.45mm format and can be loaded into a standard AK-12 magazine without requiring a different rifle.\n\nWhile the internal testing showed promising results, actual battlefield effectiveness still needs to be determined. The new multi-bullet promises theoretical advantages, but its reliability and effectiveness in battle can only be ascertained through genuine combat validation. As drone warfare continues to expand in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, new countermeasures are emerging from both sides, with this innovative ammunition being one of them.",
  "summary": "Russia is testing a multi-bullet cartridge for Kalashnikov rifles that separates during flight and is designed specifically against small drones.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}