Ukrainians Turn to Shotguns for Defense Against Russian Drones
As drone attacks escalate, civilians in eastern Ukraine are acquiring semi-automatic shotguns as a last line of defense against increasingly sophisticated aerial threats.
In the face of escalating Russian aerial assaults, residents in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the city of Zaporizhzhia, are increasingly purchasing semi-automatic shotguns. These weapons, once primarily used for sporting purposes like hunting, are now being sought as a crucial defense against First-Person-View (FPV) drones that pose a significant threat to civilian life.
Volodymyr Sukhomlyn, a gunshop owner in Zaporizhzhia, has observed a marked shift in demand. "When the war first broke out, it was mainly rifles that people wanted," Sukhomlyn stated. "Now it's shotguns that are in demand. If you train properly, your chances of bringing an FPV down are quite high. Although it may come for you while you try to shoot it, so you need a very steady nerve."
Zaporizhzhia, a key industrial hub, is situated in eastern Ukraine and remains a strategic target. While Russian troops are positioned about 20 miles to the southeast, the city is subjected to persistent harassment from the air through FPV drones, missiles, and Iranian-made Shahed drones. These attacks have impacted civilian infrastructure, including shopping malls, gas stations, coffee stands, and private homes.
FPV drones, which allow pilots to directly guide explosive payloads onto targets, are described as buzzing over combat zones like "giant mosquitoes." While the immediate response to such a threat is often to seek cover, skilled individuals can attempt to shoot them down with shotguns. The effectiveness of shotguns stems from their ability to fire pellets over a wide area, increasing the chances of hitting the smaller, fast-moving drones. Military volunteers and Ukrainian troops on the front lines are reportedly using shotguns for this purpose.
Sukhomlyn's shooting range, located in an underground basement, has become a training ground for both soldiers and civilians. The range is equipped to simulate urban combat scenarios, including a bullet-riddled Lada hatchback for target practice. "His range is equipped for simulating urban combat scenarios, with a bullet-ridden old Lada hatchback that visitors can practice shooting around," the report notes. Outdoor ranges are often unusable due to the drone threat.
The demand for shotguns is not limited to rural residents, who might keep one in their tractor or combine harvester. Bus drivers and taxi drivers, who spend significant time on the streets, are also purchasing these weapons. "It used to be just a problem for soldiers — now it's one for civilians, too," said Julia Sologub, a 31-year-old resident who experienced a drone attack near a government building.
Despite the growing reliance on shotguns, taking down an FPV drone remains a challenging task. These drones can maneuver evasively and travel at speeds of 100 mph or more. The close proximity required to effectively target a drone also carries the risk of detonating its payload. "You can bring one down with a shotgun, but it's certainly not easy. It all depends on the distance, the skill of the enemy pilot — and your own nerves," commented a US military volunteer operating with Ukraine's Armed Forces.
Some Ukrainian shooting ranges are also exploring advanced training methods, including computer-simulated courses utilizing virtual reality headsets for drone defense.
