By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In response to Ukraine’s drone war, Thales is mass-producing a 70mm rocket equipped with the FZ123 warhead, designed to destroy drones by releasing a cloud of steel pellets. This rocket, which detonates in the air, is cost-effective compared to missiles, and can engage NATO Class II and Class III drones. Production is rapidly increasing with current plans to reach 3,500 rockets by the end of the year and 10,000 by 2026. With increased interest from European countries, and the potential for Ukrainian assembly, Thales is attempting to meet soaring demand in the face of evolving drone threats.
Read the original article here
Europe is making a cheap anti-drone rocket for Ukraine that blasts a cloud of steel balls, and it’s hard not to be intrigued, or perhaps a bit bewildered, by the concept. It’s like someone took the idea of a super-sized shotgun, strapped a rocket engine to it, and pointed it at the sky. The image of a swarm of steel balls shredding a drone is certainly a dramatic one, almost cinematic. It’s a modern take on the old flak shell, designed to tear apart any aerial threat that crosses its path.
The whole situation feels a bit like a scene from a science fiction movie that has somehow become reality, a world where the familiar technology of a blunderbuss finds a new, deadly purpose. It evokes a feeling of going back to basics, using simple, effective principles to solve a modern problem. The “balls of steel” reference, both literal and metaphorical, really resonates here. It speaks to the sheer tenacity of the Ukrainian people, and the no-nonsense approach to defending their airspace.
This weapon seems to fall somewhere between a shotgun and a claymore, at least conceptually, and the sheer audacity of the design is almost admirable. It’s not the most elegant solution, but it appears to be a cost-effective one, and in the heat of conflict, effectiveness often trumps finesse. The idea of a “punt gun of the sky” is pretty accurate.
The discussion has drifted into some pretty good suggestions. Perhaps a cross between a shotgun and claymore is appropriate for these times. And why not steel balls? Well, because they’re effective. The underlying goal is to create a weapon that can quickly and efficiently neutralize drones, and that is the focus. Instead of steel balls, why not seed balls? It’s a really interesting idea, though the immediate need for defense, particularly by Ukraine, would tend to take precedence.
There are practical implications to consider. The article has prompted many questions: How will this work in real life? Range limitations are a concern, and it remains to be seen if this new tech is more successful than other drone-stopping technology. The idea of using ball chains, for example, is a viable and useful concept. And the whole thing makes you wonder if this will ultimately go down in history as another step forward in drone warfare.
The concept is being likened to a “mini flak missile,” which is a fairly accurate description of its purpose. The question of why not resurrect old flak guns is a fair one. The answer is that this new development can be fired from aircraft and is more portable.
The development of this technology also makes you think about how quickly we are evolving and the speed at which innovation occurs. It’s a little bit chaotic, but that’s warfare, isn’t it? It is understandable that people have thought to be making jokes: “What fucking timeline is this?,” as they contemplate the reality of it all.
There are also several good suggestions out there, like the idea of lasers. We’re fighting drones with a blunderbuss attached to a rocket!
Of course, the issue of civilian casualties is a valid one, which brings to mind the dangers that are introduced in this new technology. The range of the weapon and the potential for steel balls raining down on civilians is something that has to be carefully addressed.
The fact that this is an anti-drone weapon developed in response to the current conflict suggests a sense of urgency and practical necessity. The need is there, and if it’s a case of a “steel ball run” for Ukraine, then so be it. The reality on the ground in Ukraine is a reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are the most direct ones. The comments have shown an appreciation for the basic principle: a new anti-aircraft (drone) shell powered by rocket, even if some people are suggesting the use of fireworks and the like.
The desire to find new and innovative counter-drone technology to defend Ukraine seems to be top priority. The use of this technology has the potential to shape the future of warfare. This has not been lost on Europe, which, according to the comments, understands that it needed this weapon yesterday.