Military And Veterans
Clay target crackshots: Shotguns tipped to help soldiers defend against drones
Clay target crackshots: Shotguns tipped to help soldiers defend against drones
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Limassol, Cyprus
In the hills near Limassol, a constant cracking sound echoes across the valley. The British Army's Clay Target Shooting Team is visiting Cyprus for a development camp in the sun. Shotguns fire cartridges one after another, splitting the small discs as the team moves between shooting positions. "Cyprus offers a unique environment," said Major Jason Wright of the British Army Clay Target Shooting Team. "It's much different to the targets, weather, and typography of shooting grounds in the UK." But far from the picturesque mountainsides of the Mediterranean island, soldiers are shooting at flying objects, not in sport, but in war. The use of shotguns has been revitalized in Ukraine, where they serve as a last-ditch effort to take down incoming FPV drones. For a skilled marksman, a shotgun can be an effective tool for neutralizing aerial threats. Shotguns have a rich history, enjoying centuries of success in game hunting, sport, and combat. During the First World War, the trench gun was so effective that it raised concerns in Germany about breaking the laws of war. A century later, shotguns have reclaimed a role on the battlefield, indicative of evolving combat practices that necessitate the skills to operate them effectively. The parallels between clay target shooting and operational shooting during combat situations are remarkable. "I think moving targets are a much more relevant target when it comes to operational shooting," Major Wright explained, highlighting the crossover between recreational shooting sports and military applications. This blending of practice and real-world defense scenarios showcases the potential for sporting activities to bolster military preparedness. Having a team of expert marksmen enhances the UK Armed Forces' ability to prepare for future conflicts. The members of the Clay Target Shooting Team represent Great Britain and the home nations in international competitions, enriching their experience and skill sets. Historically, there is a precedent for military gunners training with clay pigeons; RAF gunners during the Second World War practiced shooting down enemy aircraft using clay targets. However, for the sport to contribute meaningfully to drone defense training, greater enthusiasm and participation in clay target shooting will be necessary. Lance Corporal Taylor Demann of the British Army Clay Target Shooting Team noted, "It goes through waves, but it's starting to become more popular now. We've seen a nice rise in shooters and more interest. It's slowly growing." This burgeoning interest suggests that more soldiers could soon be embracing shotguns as a competitive and practical skill. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the British Army relied on the L128A1 semi-automatic combat shotgun, though its prominence diminished after the conclusion of those conflicts. As new types of warfare arise, the demand for immediate and effective weaponry will drive the adoption of tactical shotguns, among other advanced defense systems. The Experimentations and Trials Group is currently evaluating tactical shotguns as a defense against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). Despite the Ministry of Defence's refusal to divulge specifics concerning the outcomes of their trials or the concrete possibility of integrating clay target shooting into military training programs, they do stress that the UK possesses a variety of Counter-UAS capabilities. An MOD spokesperson affirmed, "The UK has a range of Counter-UAS capabilities on offer to defend and protect our personnel and infrastructure." While details remain classified, the ongoing trials and adaptations signal a progressive stride towards integrating traditional shooting techniques into contemporary combat operations.