https://www.aimpoint.com/about-us/news/2025/how-aimpoint-is-responding-to-the-growing-drone-threat/
Aimpoint presents the Aimpoint® Acro® P-2 with 9 MOA, a red dot sight optimized for tactical shotguns for a fast, easily implemented solution for engaging small, fast-moving targets at close range – for example short-range drones.
“We saw an urgent need and were able to go from concept to prototype very quickly because we already had the necessary components on the shelf,” says Albert Rödfalk, Senior Product Manager at Aimpoint.
The Aimpoint Acro P-2 is the professional version of the versatile ACRO series. In its original configuration, it features a 2.5 or 3.5 MOA red dot. A civilian variant (the ACRO S-2) has previously offered a larger 9 MOA dot for shotguns. That dot is now integrated into the version produced for professional use.
“I believe this sight has significant potential,” says Albert Rödfalk.
Sport shooters using tactical shotguns are also a natural user group. They rely on similar firearm platforms, reflecting the broad range of applications in which tactical shotguns play a role today.
To increase the hit probability on small, fast-moving targets – such as drones – three elements are needed: a sight that enables fast target acquisition, heavier special-purpose ammunition with sufficient effective range, and a weapon configured for the task. The ACRO P-2 9 MOA provides a larger, more visible dot that makes it easier to acquire the target quickly and reduces training time for users who are not familiar with shotguns.
Using air-defense systems or missiles against small drones is often both expensive and impractical. And when a drone suddenly appears at close range, other countermeasures may arrive too late.
“This becomes the last line of defense. A semi-automatic, magazine-fed shotgun with the right ammunition gives units an inexpensive and immediate option to counter smaller drones. It’s not a universal solution, but within a group at least one soldier should have this tool. I think tactical shotguns for drone engagements will become standard equipment for many units in the field,” says Albert Rödfalk.
“We have little chance against the smallest FPV drones. But against larger surveillance drones, especially over water, we see strong potential,” says Anders Jeppsson, Senior Area Sales Director FCS at Aimpoint.
“With FCS you quickly get the correct lead on moving targets, which makes it far easier to achieve hits. At sea and in the air it is extremely difficult to judge distance – and that’s exactly what FCS is designed to solve.”
“Detection is absolutely critical. A sensor must find the drone first. After that, we can use the FCS 14 to engage it,” says Anders Jeppsson.
This complexity is one of the key challenges in developing counter-drone measures – and also the reason why no single, unified solution exists.
“There is no silver bullet for this,” Jeppsson adds.
A combination that has proven effective is FCS 14 paired with a 40 mm grenade launcher set to airburst. Airburst ammunition is programmed to detonate at a specified distance, creating a fragmentation zone without requiring a direct hit – essential for small or fast-moving targets.
Conclusion – combining capabilities rather than relying on one solution
As the European Union discusses a coordinated response to drone threats, it is important to recognize that no single technology solves the problem on its own. By combining early detection, sensor integration, fire-control systems, appropriate optics, and effective training, it is possible to build defensive layers that significantly reduce risk. With the ACRO P-2 9 MOA and the FCS 14, Aimpoint offers two concrete capabilities that help strengthen preparedness against the threats posed by modern drones.
Customer orders for the AIMPOINT ACRO P-2 9 MOA can be accepted starting in December.
Aimpoint presents the Aimpoint® Acro® P-2 with 9 MOA, a red dot sight optimized for tactical shotguns for a fast, easily implemented solution for engaging small, fast-moving targets at close range – for example short-range drones.
How Aimpoint Is Responding to the Growing Drone Threat
How Aimpoint Is Responding to the Growing Drone Threat
Aimpoint presents the Aimpoint® Acro® P-2 with 9 MOA, a red dot sight optimized for tactical shotguns and developed in response to user demand for a fast, easily implemented solution for engaging small, fast-moving targets at close range – for example short-range drones in operational environments or clay targets for sport shooters using tactical setups. From initial request to prototype, the development took only four weeks, and the first units are now being manufactured for delivery.“We saw an urgent need and were able to go from concept to prototype very quickly because we already had the necessary components on the shelf,” says Albert Rödfalk, Senior Product Manager at Aimpoint.
The Aimpoint Acro P-2 is the professional version of the versatile ACRO series. In its original configuration, it features a 2.5 or 3.5 MOA red dot. A civilian variant (the ACRO S-2) has previously offered a larger 9 MOA dot for shotguns. That dot is now integrated into the version produced for professional use.
“I believe this sight has significant potential,” says Albert Rödfalk.
Sport shooters using tactical shotguns are also a natural user group. They rely on similar firearm platforms, reflecting the broad range of applications in which tactical shotguns play a role today.
Tactical shotguns: capabilities and practical context
Tactical shotguns are often semi-automatic, magazine-fed, and built for rapid reloads. They are easy to use in close-protection situations, cost-effective to operate, and with suitable ammunition can deliver effective performance out to fifty–sixty meters and, in some cases, up to one hundred meters.To increase the hit probability on small, fast-moving targets – such as drones – three elements are needed: a sight that enables fast target acquisition, heavier special-purpose ammunition with sufficient effective range, and a weapon configured for the task. The ACRO P-2 9 MOA provides a larger, more visible dot that makes it easier to acquire the target quickly and reduces training time for users who are not familiar with shotguns.
Using air-defense systems or missiles against small drones is often both expensive and impractical. And when a drone suddenly appears at close range, other countermeasures may arrive too late.
“This becomes the last line of defense. A semi-automatic, magazine-fed shotgun with the right ammunition gives units an inexpensive and immediate option to counter smaller drones. It’s not a universal solution, but within a group at least one soldier should have this tool. I think tactical shotguns for drone engagements will become standard equipment for many units in the field,” says Albert Rödfalk.
Aimpoint’s multi-level approach to emerging threats
Development is carried out in parallel on several levels – from quick product modifications such as the ACRO P-2 9 MOA to long-term system solutions. Aimpoint’s Fire Control System, FCS™ 14, offers additional capabilities for engaging various aerial and maritime threats. FCS 14 is designed to increase hit probability with heavier weapons such as machine guns or automatic grenade launchers. The system automatically calculates the correct aiming point based on factors such as distance, target movement, and ammunition type. Although not developed as a dedicated anti-drone system, it has demonstrated potential in tests against surveillance-class drones in the air and against USVs (Unmanned Surface Vessels) at distances of approximately four hundred to five hundred meters.“We have little chance against the smallest FPV drones. But against larger surveillance drones, especially over water, we see strong potential,” says Anders Jeppsson, Senior Area Sales Director FCS at Aimpoint.
“With FCS you quickly get the correct lead on moving targets, which makes it far easier to achieve hits. At sea and in the air it is extremely difficult to judge distance – and that’s exactly what FCS is designed to solve.”
Detection makes the difference
Anders Jeppsson notes that questions around counter-drone capabilities have increased dramatically. At international security and defense exhibitions, drones – in the air, on land, and at sea – dominate the conversations. But everyone faces the same challenge: the decisive factor for effective engagement is detecting the threat in time.“Detection is absolutely critical. A sensor must find the drone first. After that, we can use the FCS 14 to engage it,” says Anders Jeppsson.
This complexity is one of the key challenges in developing counter-drone measures – and also the reason why no single, unified solution exists.
“There is no silver bullet for this,” Jeppsson adds.
A combination that has proven effective is FCS 14 paired with a 40 mm grenade launcher set to airburst. Airburst ammunition is programmed to detonate at a specified distance, creating a fragmentation zone without requiring a direct hit – essential for small or fast-moving targets.
Conclusion – combining capabilities rather than relying on one solution
As the European Union discusses a coordinated response to drone threats, it is important to recognize that no single technology solves the problem on its own. By combining early detection, sensor integration, fire-control systems, appropriate optics, and effective training, it is possible to build defensive layers that significantly reduce risk. With the ACRO P-2 9 MOA and the FCS 14, Aimpoint offers two concrete capabilities that help strengthen preparedness against the threats posed by modern drones.
Customer orders for the AIMPOINT ACRO P-2 9 MOA can be accepted starting in December.
Fact box
Military drones
UAV
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. An unmanned aircraft that can be remotely piloted or fly autonomously. Used for surveillance, mapping, and military missions.C-UAV
Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Technologies and methods used to detect, identify, track, and neutralize hostile drones.FPV
First Person View. The drone is piloted in real time using a forward-facing camera, often through goggles. FPV drones are small, fast, and difficult to detect, and can carry small explosives.USV
Unmanned Surface Vehicle. An unmanned vessel that operates on the water’s surface. Used for harbor protection, surveillance, and mine-clearing.Airburst
A type of ammunition designed to detonate at a pre-set distance, creating a fragmentation zone. Effective against small or hard-to-hit targets and used with systems that provide accurate range data.FCS 14
Aimpoint’s fire-control system for heavy weapons. It collects target data (distance, movement, ammunition type), calculates the optimal aiming point, and displays an adjusted aiming mark. It has shown capability in tests against larger surveillance drones and USVs at several hundred meters.ACRO P-2 9 MOA
A compact, professional-grade red dot sight. The new 9 MOA configuration is optimized for tactical shotguns and enables fast target acquisition at close range. Battery life is 50,000 hours. Submersible to 35 meters. Weight 61 g.MOA (Minute of Angle)
A unit of angular measurement used to describe dot size. One MOA equals approximately 1 inch at 100 yards (or 2.9 cm at 100 meters). Smaller dots (e.g., 3.5 MOA) provide higher precision at longer distances, while larger dots (e.g., 9 MOA) enable faster target acquisition at close range.
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