Army sends smart scopes to assist soldiers in downing drones

The US Military Adopts High-Tech Measures Against Drones

The US military has begun enhancing its capabilities in the ongoing battle against drones through the use of advanced technology known as Smash. This was recently showcased during a live fire training exercise in Germany on June 6, where soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment demonstrated the Smash 2000L smart scope mounted on their M4A1 rifles to target drones above them.

This event was part of Project FlyTrap, designed as a multinational training initiative.

The Smash 2000L, developed by Israeli company Smart Shooter Ltd., is not your everyday scope. It integrates cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence to assist soldiers in tracking targets and determining the optimal moment to fire. It’s worth noting that the system takes control of the trigger and fires only when a hit is guaranteed.

In May, the Army awarded Smart Shooter a $13 million contract to introduce these scopes to military operations, as part of efforts to equip soldiers with new and effective technology swiftly.

Interestingly, amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, drones are becoming a prevalent feature on both sides, being used for surveillance and dropping explosives. Even in Israel, similar small drones are being adapted for various military purposes, which highlights a shift in modern warfare.

What’s impressive about the Smash system is that it weighs about 2.5 pounds and can easily be attached to standard rifles, marking a significant change from previous methods that relied on much bulkier systems to neutralize drones. Now, a single soldier can take out a drone without needing extensive support.