Russia has initiated battlefield tests of a new family of gun cartridges intended to counter the increasing threat of small drones in Ukraine. The IGLA family, designed specifically for this purpose, incorporates pellets made from a specialized alloy that enhances their destructive capabilities.
The cartridges utilize a mixture of tungsten, nickel, and iron, creating denser pellets that are reported to inflict significant damage upon impact. According to TASS, a state-owned Russian news agency, tests have shown that these pellets can penetrate a drone to its circuit board. The impact is not only lethal to the drone’s electronic components but also damages critical features such as propellers and storage batteries, with the potential to pierce through the drone’s frame as well.
The development of the IGLA cartridges was showcased for the first time at the MILEX 2025 defense exhibition held in Minsk, Belarus, in May. This family of cartridges includes several models: IGLA 30, 50, 100, and Tracer 75, with the numbers reflecting their effective ranges in meters. Notably, the IGLA 100 model is reported to be 1.5 times denser than lead, demonstrating an impressive capability to penetrate two 1 mm thick aluminum sheets at maximum range, as detailed in reports from Calibre Defence.
The cartridges are compatible with 12/70 and 12/76 calibers, broadening their applicability on the battlefield. As conflicts evolve and the use of drones proliferates, advancements like the IGLA series may play a crucial role in shaping modern military strategies.
