Beretta Unveils Eight-Shotgun Turret System to Combat Drone Threats

Beretta Defense Technologies and Italian tech firm DUALEE have unveiled the LIVET Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), a unique counter-drone system that packs eight Benelli M4 shotguns onto a remote-controlled turret. The system was recently demonstrated in Denmark for the Danish Armed Forces, showcasing its capabilities in addressing the growing threat posed by small, inexpensive drones.

The LIVET RCWS is designed to tackle one of the most pressing issues faced by modern militaries: the proliferation of low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can cause significant damage to military equipment and infrastructure. These drones are particularly dangerous due to their ability to evade traditional anti-aircraft measures, making them a formidable challenge for defense systems.

At the core of the LIVET system is its eight-shotgun configuration, each based on Benelli’s M4 Drone Guardian shotgun. This semi-automatic 12-gauge weapon fires programmable airburst ammunition designed specifically to enhance the likelihood of hitting and neutralizing small aerial targets. The use of shotguns in this context leverages their wide spread pattern, which increases the chances of intercepting fast-moving or unpredictable drones.

The LIVET RCWS integrates advanced AI-driven target tracking and remote operation capabilities, allowing operators to engage multiple drone threats simultaneously from a safe distance. This system represents a significant advancement in kinetic counter-drone solutions, offering a more effective and affordable alternative to traditional anti-aircraft weaponry.

Military analysts highlight the growing interest in such systems as militaries worldwide seek innovative ways to combat the increasing threat of small drones. The Danish Armed Forces' demonstration of the LIVET RCWS underscores the international recognition of this emerging challenge and the need for robust countermeasures.

The concept behind using shotguns against drones is gaining traction across various military branches, including the U.S. Marine Corps. In recent training exercises, Marines have been familiarizing themselves with shotgun tactics to enhance their capabilities in countering unmanned aerial systems. This shift towards unconventional weapons highlights a broader trend in adapting traditional firearms for modern warfare challenges.

Beretta’s collaboration with DUALEE on the LIVET RCWS demonstrates how industry partnerships can drive innovation in defense technology. By combining Beretta's expertise in firearm manufacturing with DUALEE's technological prowess, the companies have developed a cutting-edge solution to an increasingly relevant threat. As drone technology continues to advance and proliferate, systems like the LIVET are likely to play a crucial role in maintaining military readiness and operational effectiveness.

This development marks a significant step forward in the ongoing evolution of counter-drone technologies, offering a practical and effective response to one of the most pressing security challenges of our time.