The U.S. Air Force is set to commence trials of the Baowolf counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) munition in the third quarter of 2025. According to Janes, the Baowolf is a large-caliber munition specifically designed to neutralize small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) and first-person-view (FPV) drones, which have become prevalent threats on modern battlefields.

Developed by Kinard Technologies, the Baowolf is effective against drones within a range of 0 to 50 meters. It is the only dedicated counter-FPV munition designed for individual use, providing soldiers with a last-resort kinetic option when other countermeasures fail. The munition can be deployed independently or integrated into Kinard’s Autonomous Multi-Purpose Turret (AMPT), a modular system that utilizes AI-driven targeting to protect vehicles, convoys, and fixed positions.

The Baowolf’s design incorporates 3D-printed plastic components, allowing for cost-effective mass production. Its tungsten shot payload is comparable to that of an entire 8-round shotgun magazine, and it can be armed and fired in under one second. This rapid response capability is crucial in scenarios where drones penetrate other layers of defense.

The upcoming USAF trials aim to evaluate the Baowolf’s effectiveness and integration into existing defense systems, potentially enhancing the military’s ability to counter the evolving drone threat.