Polish soldiers from the Podlasie military operational group are ramping up their border defense capabilities by conducting specialized training with Mossberg rifles.
A video of the exercises, held at the Krzekovo shooting range, was shared on the official page of the General Command of the Polish Armed Forces.
The training focused on improving soldiers' accuracy and adaptability in using these rifles for various scenarios, including handling intruders and destroying drones.
Mossberg rifles have proven versatile, being capable of firing both non-lethal ammunition for border enforcement and buckshot for aerial threats like drones.
This was reported by Militarnyi.
Inspired by Ukrainian Tactics
The Polish military is incorporating lessons from Ukraine, where rifles equipped with buckshot have become a crucial tool against enemy drones.
This approach is effective at short distances, offering a "cloud" of projectiles that increase the chances of hitting small aerial targets.
In Ukraine, the 68th Ranger Brigade has pioneered rifle tactics to counter drones, selecting the most effective rifles and ammunition through rigorous testing. These methods have shown tangible success on the battlefield and are now gaining traction in European defense forces.
Expanding the Use of Shotguns Across Europe
Poland isn't the only country taking these measures.
Belgium has equipped airbase security units with shotguns for drone defense. Belgian soldiers have undergone specialized training, practicing on suspended drone models to perfect their aim against small, agile targets.
The use of shotguns for drone defense is becoming a standard practice as drones play a larger role in modern warfare. The versatility of rifles and shotguns in border patrol and air defense ensures personnel are prepared for evolving security challenges.