Elite forces test Benelli’s counter-drone shotgun

Benelli Armi S.p.A., a subsidiary of Beretta and the world’s largest shotgun manufacturer, has introduced its latest innovation in counter-drone technology—the M4 A.I. Drone Guardian—during a demonstration at ISOF Range in Nevada.

The weapon is designed to provide frontline units with a reliable, last-resort option against small unmanned aerial systems, including quadcopter-style first-person view (FPV) drones.

According to a press release from Beretta, “Alongside Beretta, the company has been invited to ISOF Range in Nevada this week to present its M4 A.I. Drone Guardian Counter-UAS shotgun to an exclusive group from the international SOF community.” The company describes the new system as “combat-proven” and “offering unmatched reliability in all operational environments.”

The M4 A.I. Drone Guardian features a patented Advanced Impact (A.I.) system that utilizes a longer and wider cone inside the barrel. This proprietary design is intended to increase range, impact force, and precision against aerial targets. Benelli says the system is optimized for effective use from 0 to 50 meters, with the potential to reach 100 meters under favorable conditions.

According to the company’s official product description, “Its primary purpose is to serve as a ‘last resort’ weapon against small quadcopter FPV drones on the battlefield or to quickly neutralize spy drones.” It also functions as a personal defense weapon for individual operators or as part of a squad-based drone defense capability.

The demonstration at ISOF Range was held for an audience drawn from elite international special operations forces, reflecting growing demand for low-tech, high-reliability counter-UAS solutions. As small drones become increasingly common in reconnaissance, targeting, and explosive delivery roles, armed forces worldwide are seeking flexible tools to defeat them at close range—especially in cluttered environments where electronic jamming or kinetic interceptors may not be practical.

Benelli emphasized that the shotgun’s design allows for rapid deployment in complex environments, including urban areas and dense terrain, where drones are difficult to detect and neutralize using traditional methods. The company framed the M4 A.I. as both a practical countermeasure and a force multiplier for tactical units operating in drone-saturated combat zones.