Army Deploys Rifle-Mounted Smart Scopes to Counter Small Drones

The U.S. Army has awarded a $10.7 million contract to Smart Shooter for its SMASH 2000LE fire control systems, which enable soldiers to detect, track, and neutralize small drones with greater precision. The advanced scopes are set to be delivered between July and September, marking the latest effort by the military to address the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on modern battlefields.

The SMASH 2000LE system integrates seamlessly with standard assault rifles, using artificial intelligence and computer vision to lock onto targets and synchronize shots for accurate elimination of both ground and aerial threats. This technology is particularly effective against tethered drones, which are controlled via fiber optic cables rather than radio waves, offering a significant advantage in combat scenarios. The scopes are resistant to jamming, ensuring reliability in high-stakes environments.

As part of a broader strategy to counter drone threats, the Army employs a layered defense approach. Larger systems engage drones at longer ranges, while soldiers equipped with these smart scopes provide close-range protection. This contract builds on earlier purchases, including a $6.1 million order for nearly 200 units by a Pentagon task force in March. The military’s focus on drone countermeasures is driven by the demonstrated effectiveness of UAVs in conflicts involving Ukraine, Israel, and Iran, where drones have proven to be formidable weapons.

In addition to the SMASH system, the Army is exploring other innovations, such as specialized ammunition designed to fragment in flight for increased hit probability and initiatives like Project Flytrap to test new counter-drone technologies. These efforts underscore the Pentagon’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats posed by small drones on the battlefield.