Fiocchi Unveils New Counter-Drone Ammunition at Enforce Tac 2026
At this year’s Enforce Tac exhibition in Nuremberg, Italian ammunition manufacturer Fiocchi Munizioni presented several innovations aimed at responding to the rapidly evolving battlefield environment, particularly the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles. According to the company’s technical director Costantino Fiocchi, the firm is adapting its product portfolio to reflect the increasing demand for solutions capable of countering drones.
Fiocchi explained that while the company produces a broad range of small-caliber ammunition, the focus at this year’s exhibition was the launch of a new type of counter-drone ammunition. “Fiocchi Munizioni is producing a vast range of small-caliber ammunition,” he said, adding that the company is now introducing new rounds for 5.56 mm, 5.45 mm and 7.62 mm calibers specifically designed for drone defense.
The newly developed ammunition features a specialized projectile containing multiple small shot elements. “It’s a special ammunition with a bullet that includes some shot,” Fiocchi explained. Once fired, the round disperses the shot after leaving the barrel, increasing the probability of hitting small aerial targets. According to him, the concept has already been tested with military users. “We tested it with some special forces, and they are very happy about this.”
Responding to the rise of drones
The development reflects a broader shift across the defense sector as armed forces seek practical ways to counter the widespread use of drones on modern battlefields. Fiocchi confirmed that the company’s latest products are a direct response to this trend.
Video: Enforce Tac 2026: New special anti-drone ammunition from Fiocchi / DEFENSE MAGAZINE
“A drone is very popular at this moment,” he said. The company had already introduced shot-shell ammunition designed to counter drones last year, which proved highly effective in testing. However, soldiers using standard infantry rifles often lack access to shotguns.
“We have been asked to develop something for troops that don’t have a shotgun,” Fiocchi explained. With the new ammunition, soldiers can use their standard service weapon and simply switch magazines to engage drones.
Pressure on raw materials
Like many manufacturers in the defense sector, Fiocchi is also dealing with challenges related to raw-material supply chains. Rising demand for ammunition globally has put pressure on key materials such as copper, brass, and lead.
“This is a tough moment for raw materials,” Fiocchi noted. “We have stress on sourcing copper and brass due to the very high costs, but also lead.” As a result, the company has invested significant resources into developing alternative materials, particularly substitutes for brass cartridge cases and lead projectiles.
According to Fiocchi, research into lead-free alternatives actually began several years ago, meaning the company already has several viable options available.
Expanding military production
Historically, Fiocchi has focused primarily on the civilian ammunition market, particularly hunting and sporting ammunition. However, the geopolitical situation in Europe has accelerated the company’s expansion into military production.
“Traditionally Fiocchi is producing mainly civil ammunition and a quite small part of military and law-enforcement ammunition,” Fiocchi said. “But we are more and more developing lines and production capacity also for military.”
The war in Ukraine and the broader rearmament trend in Europe have dramatically increased demand for ammunition across the continent. Despite this surge, Fiocchi believes the market is now beginning to stabilize.
“We feel that the demand is a little bit stable now,” he said, noting that market prices have also stabilized, which indicates a more balanced supply-and-demand situation.
Strengthening the company’s position
Fiocchi also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and corporate developments that have helped the company expand its capabilities. Joining a larger industrial group has allowed the family-owned company to scale its ambitions.
“This allows us to think bigger,” Fiocchi explained. The partnership has strengthened the company’s access to both military and law-enforcement markets, while also supporting the financing of new production capacity and growth.
Looking ahead
While Fiocchi declined to reveal specific details about upcoming products, the company confirmed that several new developments are already in the pipeline.
“It’s a little bit too early to say,” Fiocchi said with a smile, adding that new products currently in the portfolio will likely be introduced at future exhibitions.
For now, however, the company’s focus remains clear: expanding production capacity, responding to emerging battlefield threats such as drones, and strengthening its position within the evolving European defense-industrial landscape.
