Typical commercially available UAVs are lightweight, cheap and appear fast in urban settings.
// Small-calibre drone defence ammunition
RWS Urban Drone Defence (UDD)
Light & Heavy in 7.62 x 51
This line of products is designed to counter improvised and commercially available UAVs, especially in urban and suburban areas. With an effective range of up to 300 meters, RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE (UDD) allows for controlled engagement while reducing the risk to people and surroundings. This line of products is designed to limit background hazard and keep collateral damage to a minimum.
NEW · 2026
7.62 × 51Calibre
UP TO 100 m / 300 moperational range
BACKGROUND RISKsignificantly reduced
RELIABLE PERFORMANCEin externally powered machine guns
CONFIGURATION
UDD Light
UDD Heavy
// The background
Drone incidents are increasing
Recent developments clearly show that drones – whether military or commercially available – are becoming a growing threat to critical infrastructure, armed forces, and public spaces. Many counter-drone solutions on the market are either highly specialized or come with limitations in range, flexibility, or safe use in complex environments. In particular, urban settings remain a challenge when it comes to avoiding collateral damage.
Urban settings remain a challenge when it comes to avoiding collateral damage.
UDD LIGHT is designed for short distances up to 100 m while UDD HEAVY extends drone defence at medium distances up to 300 m.
One line of products, four configurations - covered next
// 4 PRODUCT SOLUTIONS FOR DRONE DEFENCE
Effective drone defence in urban areas
RWS addresses the growing threat to critical infrastructure, armed forces and public areas with a practical, kinetic solution. The Urban Drone Defence (UDD) product line features a plastic bullet optimized for application in urban and suburban areas.
up to 100 m
SHORT DISTANCE · INNER-CITY SETTINGS
SHORT DISTANCE · INNER-CITY SETTINGS- 7.62 × 51
- Polymer solid · 1.0 g / 15 gr
- V₀ 1,300 m/s · E₀ 930 J
- SINTOX® primer
up to 300 m
MEDIUM DISTANCE · URBAN/SUBURBAN AREAS
MEDIUM DISTANCE · URBAN/SUBURBAN AREAS- 7.62 × 51
- Polymer solid with semi-jacket · 3.7 g / 57 gr
- V₀ 1,202 m/s · E₀ 2,668 J
- SINTOX® primer
TRACER
Visible from muzzle · 100 m tracer
Visible from muzzle · 100 m tracer- 7.62 × 51
- Polymer solid tracer · 1.2 g / 19 gr
- Tracer visibility from muzzle
- Tracer colour red
TRACER
Visible from muzzle · 300 m tracer
Visible from muzzle · 300 m tracer- 7.62 × 51
- Polymer tracer with semi-jacket · 3.7 g / 57 gr
- Tracer visibility from muzzle
- Tracer colour red
// Key facts
Kinetic solutionFor drone defence
Lightweight plastic bulletProjectile design
Reduced background riskTo civilians
Four configurationsFor specific operating scenarios
01Up to what distance can RWS UDD LIGHT be used effectively against drones?
RWS UDD LIGHT is designed for defence against DIY and small commercial FPV drones at short distances up to 100 m. The product solution is particularly suitable for operational environments where a reduced danger area and reduced background risk compared with conventional ammunition are especially important, such as inner-city areas. Actual effect depends, among other factors, on drone type, hit location, engagement distance and weapon platform used.
02Up to what distance can RWS UDD HEAVY be used effectively against drones?
RWS UDD HEAVY is designed for defence against DIY and small commercial FPV drones at medium distances up to 300 m. The variant is particularly suitable for urban and suburban operational environments where a greater defence distance is required.
Compared with UDD LIGHT, UDD HEAVY offers an extended effective distance. However, the specific operational assessment always depends on the threat situation, weapon platform, target acquisition and local safety requirements.
03How does RWS UDD LIGHT reduce background risk?
With an effective range of up to 100 m, RWS UDD LIGHT enables controlled use while minimizing risk to people and the surrounding environment. The product solution is designed to significantly reduce the danger area compared with conventional 7.62 × 51 mm ammunition.
Due to the special projectile design and low projectile weight, residual velocity and therefore energy decrease sharply over distance. However, no blanket statement can be made about the distance from which no hazard remains. Assessment depends, among other factors, on hit location, target medium, impact angle and operational environment. Individual danger-area and safety assessment is therefore always required for mission planning.
The following ballistic values are provided for technical classification.
| Marker | Velocity | Energy |
|---|---|---|
| V0 / E0 | 1,300 m/s (4,265 fps) | 930 J |
| V50 / E50 | 366 m/s (1,201 fps) | 74 J |
| V100 / E100 | 241 m/s (791 fps) | 32 J |
For specific inquiries, please contact: UDD(at)rws-tech.com
04Can RWS UDD LIGHT also be used as a training cartridge?
RWS UDD LIGHT was developed primarily for kinetic defence against DIY and small commercial FPV drones in urban areas. Due to the reduced range and rapidly decreasing residual velocity, and therefore decreasing energy, the cartridge may also be suitable for selected training scenarios, provided that the weapon platform, firing range and safety area have been appropriately checked and approved.
The cartridge is equipped with the proven low-pollutant SINTOX® primer and a REACH-compliant propellant powder.
For application-specific training concepts, please contact: UDD(at)rws-tech.com
05What penetration performance does RWS UDD LIGHT achieve, and how does the product solution help reduce background risk?
RWS UDD LIGHT is designed to significantly reduce background hazard compared with conventional 7.62 × 51 mm ammunition. Ballistic testing showed strongly limited penetration performance in typical urban target media.
Actual penetration performance may vary depending on material quality, target structure, impact angle, distance and weapon platform. For detailed information, please contact us at UDD(at)rws-tech.com.
OPERATIONAL RANGEDRAG THE TARGET:
DRAG THE TARGET:
COMPARE UDD PRODUCT SOLUTIONS
UDD cartridges are designed for use in the M134D Gatling gun. Proper functioning in machine guns or assault rifles requires an adapted locking system.
Operating distance
220M
UDD HEAVY · engaged
Extended urban / suburban setting
Bearing42°
SettingUrban/Sub.
Reserve80 m
Tracer availableYES
Available solutionsUDD HEAVY
When used in conjunction with suitable high-rate-of-fire weapon platforms, UDD HEAVY product solutions can play a role in defence against scenarios involving multiple small drone targets. Their effectiveness against multiple targets depends largely on target acquisition, fire control, the weapon platform, the operating concept and the engagement range.
FIVE REASONS TO MAKE RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE (UDD) PART OF YOUR DRONE DEFENCE STRATEGY
01
Proven kinetic response
Physical effect against improvised and small commercial drones, designed for controlled engagements in urban and suburban environments.
02
Lower background risk
Significantly reduced danger zone compared to conventional 7.62 × 51 mm ammunition, supporting safer use in complex surroundings.
03
Built for high-rate platforms
Reliable performance in suitable externally powered machine guns with high rates of fire, enabling rapid response against fast, small aerial threats.
04
Mission-matched configurations
Available in multiple configurations, including tracer options, allowing forces to match the solution to short- and medium-range C-UAS scenarios.
05
Responsible by design
REACH-compliant, SINTOX® primer technology, reduced toxic substances and X-ray detectable projectiles, combining operational value with responsible design.
RWS DEFENCE & LAW ENFORCEMENT - NT LINE
RWS Urban Drone Defence (UDD) is part of the NT Line
We are proud to present our NT Line, which meets strictly defined NATO standards and covers the calibres 9x19, 5.56x45, 7.62x51 and 12.7x99.
This line of product solutions offers a wealth of deployment, simulation and training options with a wide variety of weapon systems. The products fully comply with NATO requirements.
- Deployment and training ammunition for the NATO alliance
- Reliable function under the most adverse climatic conditions
- Safe function for a wide range of weapon systems
RWS NT LINE
A RANGE OF PRODUCTS IN ALL STANDARD CALIBRES
7.62x51RWS Urban Drone Defence (UDD) product solutionsFeatured here
9x19Duty and training ammunition for pistols and sub-machine guns
5.56x45Suitable for assault rifles and light machine guns, offering above-average precision and reliability
7.62x51NATO's oldest long-rifle calibre, offering versatile use
12.7x99Outstanding precision and exceptional reliability, even under the most adverse conditions
RWS UDD Product Line Comparison
Choose the right product configuration for your mission
RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE (UDD) LIGHT and HEAVY follow the same product concept: kinetic drone defence with reduced background risk. The difference lies in mission environment, operational distance, projectile profile and use case.
Primary Mission Fit
Urban close-range controlDesigned for short-distance drone defence in inner-city and close-perimeter environments where controlled use and reduced background risk are key priorities.
Extended urban coverageDesigned for medium-distance drone defence in urban and suburban environments where wider operational coverage and earlier response are required.
Operational Range
Up to 100 mShort-range UDD configuration for controlled urban drone defence in confined or densely populated surroundings.
Up to 300 mMedium-range UDD configuration for expanded standoff distance and wider coverage in urban and suburban scenarios.
Projectile & Energy Profile
1.0 g projectile / E100: 32 JLightweight polymer solid projectile with a reduced energy profile at the operational range limit.
3.7 g projectile / E300: 104 JHeavier polymer solid projectile with semi-jacket, retaining more energy across extended distances.
Background Risk Logic
Focused on constrained environmentsBest suited when the operating area is limited and the danger zone behind the target must be kept as controlled as possible.
Extended reach with reduced-risk conceptBest suited when more range is required while maintaining the UDD principle of reduced background risk versus conventional 7.62 × 51 mm ammunition.
Platform & Operational Use
Close-range operational use on qualified platformsPrimarily intended for suitable externally powered weapon platforms with high rates of fire. Use in gas-operated machine guns or assault rifles may be possible but requires platform-specific assessment and, where necessary, technical adaptation to ensure reliable function.
Medium-range operational use on qualified platformsPrimarily intended for suitable externally powered weapon platforms with high rates of fire. Use in gas-operated machine guns or assault rifles may be possible but requires platform-specific assessment and, where necessary, technical adaptation to ensure reliable function.
Additional Use Potential
Usable for selected training scenariosUDD LIGHT is not primarily designed as a training cartridge, but due to its short-range profile it can also be used in suitable indoor shooting ranges and selected training applications under approved conditions.
Operational configuration onlyUDD HEAVY is positioned for medium-distance drone defence.
Tracer & Observation Option
1.2 g tracer optionVisible from the muzzle and matched to the LIGHT operational range for observation and shot feedback.
3.7 g tracer optionVisible from the muzzle and matched to the HEAVY operational range for observation and shot feedback at longer distances.
Primary Mission FitUrban close-range controlDesigned for short-distance drone defence in inner-city and close-perimeter environments where controlled use and reduced background risk are key priorities.
Operational RangeUp to 100 mShort-range UDD configuration for controlled urban drone defence in confined or densely populated surroundings.
Projectile & Energy Profile1.0 g projectile / E100: 32 JLightweight polymer solid projectile with a reduced energy profile at the operational range limit.
Background Risk LogicFocused on constrained environmentsBest suited when the operating area is limited and the danger zone behind the target must be kept as controlled as possible.
Platform & Operational UseClose-range operational use on qualified platformsPrimarily intended for suitable externally powered weapon platforms with high rates of fire. Use in gas-operated machine guns or assault rifles may be possible but requires platform-specific assessment and, where necessary, technical adaptation to ensure reliable function.
Additional Use PotentialUsable for selected training scenariosUDD LIGHT is not primarily designed as a training cartridge, but due to its short-range profile it can also be used in suitable indoor shooting ranges and selected training applications under approved conditions.
Tracer & Observation Option1.2 g tracer optionVisible from the muzzle and matched to the LIGHT operational range for observation and shot feedback.
Primary Mission FitExtended urban coverageDesigned for medium-distance drone defence in urban and suburban environments where wider operational coverage and earlier response are required.
Operational RangeUp to 300 mMedium-range UDD configuration for expanded standoff distance and wider coverage in urban and suburban scenarios.
Projectile & Energy Profile3.7 g projectile / E300: 104 JHeavier polymer solid projectile with semi-jacket, retaining more energy across extended distances.
Background Risk LogicExtended reach with reduced-risk conceptBest suited when more range is required while maintaining the UDD principle of reduced background risk versus conventional 7.62 × 51 mm ammunition.
Platform & Operational UseMedium-range operational use on qualified platformsPrimarily intended for suitable externally powered weapon platforms with high rates of fire. Use in gas-operated machine guns or assault rifles may be possible but requires platform-specific assessment and, where necessary, technical adaptation to ensure reliable function.
Additional Use PotentialOperational configuration onlyUDD HEAVY is positioned for medium-distance drone defence.
Tracer & Observation Option3.7 g tracer optionVisible from the muzzle and matched to the HEAVY operational range for observation and shot feedback at longer distances.
Platform compatibility, potential weapon adaptation, tracer use, training suitability and final operational setup remain scenario-specific and must be assessed for the intended weapon system, range environment and mission profile.
01Which users are RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE (UDD) products available to?
The product range is intended for military, governmental and professional security users who require a kinetic C-UAS solution for defined operational scenarios with reduced background risk. RWS UDD product solutions may only be used by authorized users and in accordance with the applicable legal, official and mission-specific requirements.
02Which application scenarios are RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE (UDD) product solutions designed for?
The RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE product range was developed for professional users who need to kinetically engage small DIY and commercial drones in urban and suburban operational environments. Typical application scenarios include the protection of critical infrastructure, military installations, temporary security zones, events and governmental operations.
Compared with conventional 7.62 × 51 mm ammunition, the product range is designed for a reduced danger area and reduced background risk. Depending on the operational profile, different variants are available, including RWS UDD LIGHT for short distances up to 100 m and RWS UDD HEAVY for medium distances up to 300 m, including tracer options with trace visibility from the muzzle.
For individual technical or operational requirements, please contact: UDD(at)rws-tech.com
03Which weapon systems are suitable for RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE (UDD) product solutions?
The RWS UDD product range for short-range drone defence up to 100 m in inner-city areas (RWS UDD LIGHT) and medium distances up to 300 m (RWS UDD HEAVY) is primarily designed for externally powered weapon platforms with a high rate of fire. These platforms enable reliable function for these special loadings with reduced projectile weight and different impulse behavior.
Use in gas-operated systems, such as machine guns or assault rifles, may be possible depending on the platform, but requires technical assessment and, where necessary, adaptation or conversion of the weapon system. Approval must always be platform- and application-specific.
04What must be considered when converting existing weapon systems for RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE (UDD) product solutions?
Due to their special projectile design and reduced projectile weight, RWS UDD product solutions have different impulse and functional behavior than conventional loadings. For gas-operated weapon platforms, a technical adaptation or tuning of the system to the respective RWS UDD cartridge may therefore be required.
Without corresponding testing and approval, malfunctions cannot be ruled out. Assessment and adaptation should be performed only by qualified specialists, the weapon manufacturer or an authorized system integrator.
For technical inquiries, please contact: UDD(at)rws-tech.com
05What is the particular advantage of the RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE (UDD) product range?
The particular advantage of the RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE product range lies in the combination of kinetic drone defence, reduced background hazard and high operational flexibility. In combination with suitable externally powered weapon platforms, RWS UDD enables high firepower against small, fast and difficult-to-hit drone targets during multiple-drone attacks.
At the same time, the ammunition is designed so that danger area and residual energy are significantly reduced compared with conventional 7.62 × 51 mm ammunition. The products are an effective and cost-efficient solution against DIY and small commercial drones.
06Can the RWS URBAN DRONE DEFENCE (UDD) product range be used against drone swarms?
In combination with suitable weapon platforms with a high rate of fire, RWS UDD can also contribute to defence in scenarios involving several small drone targets. However, performance against multiple targets depends substantially on target acquisition, fire control, weapon platform, operating concept and engagement distance.
