German researchers have developed a portable 40mm launcher that fires steel chains to entangle and bring down small drones [1].
The system provides a mechanical alternative to high-cost electronic warfare tools. By avoiding complex technologies like lasers or electromagnetic pulses, the device offers a simplified method for neutralizing unmanned aerial vehicles in the field [1].
The launcher utilizes a 40mm caliber [1]. It is designed to fire steel chains measuring 6.5 feet in length [2]. These chains are launched at a speed of approximately 80 m/s [2].
This approach focuses on physical entanglement rather than electronic interference. The chains act as a mechanical snare, similar to a bola, to wrap around the rotors or frame of a quadcopter to force a crash [2].
Researchers from the university and defense team said the system is inexpensive and easy to deploy [1]. This low-tech strategy addresses the increasing need for rapid, scalable counter-drone solutions that do not require significant power sources or advanced targeting software [1].
“A portable 40mm launcher that fires 6.5-foot steel chains”
The shift toward mechanical counter-drone measures reflects a broader trend in defense procurement toward 'low-tech' resilience. As drones become more resistant to electronic jamming and signal interference, physical interception methods provide a reliable fail-safe that cannot be hacked or spoofed by software updates.
