Kathrine Frich
The Benelli M4 is famous for its cinematic cameo in John Wick: Chapter 2.
The Benelli M4 is famous for its cinematic cameo in John Wick: Chapter 2.
Ukraine’s Desperate Defence
Ukrainian forces are turning to high-powered shotguns to take down Russian FPV (First Person View) kamikaze drones.
With traditional electronic warfare tools often failing, the Benelli M4 A.I. “Drone Guardian” is becoming a surprising hero of the battlefield.
From Hollywood to the Trenches
The Benelli M4 is famous for its cinematic cameo in John Wick: Chapter 2.
But this latest version, equipped with Advanced Impact tech. is being used for real combat.
Ukrainian troops now rely on this upgraded shotgun to destroy fast-moving drones before they reach their targets.
How It Works: Close-Quarters Aerial Combat
Unlike long-range missiles or jamming tech, the M4 A.I. is a “hard kill” weapon.
With its tungsten rounds and advanced barrel, it can hit drones at 75 to 100 meters.
Just a couple of well-placed pellets can rip through drone casings, rotors, or onboard cameras, effectively neutralizing the threat.
The Tech Behind the Boom
The Drone Guardian features ghost ring sights, a wide 220-degree field of view, and compatibility with red-dot optics.
Its M-Lok forend allows for tactical add-ons, turning what was once a police or SWAT weapon into an anti-drone beast.
Not Just for Soldiers Anymore
Lt. Gen. Marco Angelelli, a former Italian Air Force officer and now shotgun expert, revealed that this tech isn’t limited to the battlefield.
Security forces around the world are testing it to defend airports, prisons, and even critical infrastructure from rogue UAVs.
Trials Prove Its Lethal Accuracy
In trials held in Italy, Benelli-trained marksmen successfully hit drones moving at high speeds between 30 and 100 meters.
Safe distances that keep soldiers out of blast zones from grenades or RPGs typically carried by kamikaze drones.
Training Troops in a New Art
According to Angelelli, the biggest challenge isn’t the shotgun’s power, it’s training infantry in aerial target shooting.
Hitting fast-moving airborne objects requires a whole new skill set. But once mastered, it gives ground troops a much-needed last-resort option.
Demand Skyrockets Worldwide
With the M4 A.I. proving itself in Ukraine, interest has surged from military buyers.
Benelli is already prepping samples for U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the FBI, and other agencies.
There’s even talk of mounting these weapons on turrets and drones themselves.
The Rise of 12-Gauge Air Defense
Angelelli believes the future lies in widespread adoption of 12-gauge shotguns as an air-defense tool, not just handheld, but also integrated into vehicles and autonomous systems. In a warzone where jammers and missiles fall short, brute force might be the best bet.
