Italy’s LIVET Remote-Controlled Defense Platform Equipped with Eight Benelli M4 Shotguns to Counter Small Drones

The LIVET Defense System

According to НВ — Техно: Originating from Italy, the LIVET is a remotely operated weapon station specifically engineered to neutralize small unmanned aerial vehicles. This advanced setup integrates eight 12-gauge Benelli M4 Drone Guardian shotguns with programmable airburst ammunition and an AI-driven target tracking system. Capable of simultaneously monitoring up to five airborne threats, LIVET offers a highly effective countermeasure against drone incursions.

LIVET’s combat readiness was showcased during a live demonstration in Denmark for the Danish Armed Forces, highlighting its operational capabilities. The system can be seamlessly connected to external radio frequency and radar sensors, enhancing its precision in detecting hostile drones. Its design builds upon Benelli’s Drone Guardian concept introduced in 2024.

Advancements in Counter-Drone Technologies

The evolution of counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) has accelerated since 2022, largely driven by the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have adapted by deploying improvised multi-barrel shotgun arrays mounted on vehicles to fend off drones. Similarly, Turkey is developing the Drone Kalkanı, a remotely operated turret armed with two 12-gauge barrels targeting UAV threats.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military is acquiring the Cerberus MI drone, designed by Skyborne Technologies USA, which features a 12-gauge shotgun and 40mm HAVOC grenades. Classified within Group 2 drones, Cerberus MI utilizes interchangeable payloads including the CHAOS 12-gauge weapon system, demonstrating its versatility and relevance in modern warfare.

The emergence of systems like LIVET underscores the mounting challenges posed by drones in contemporary conflicts. Given the widespread deployment of UAVs in Ukraine and other hotspots, such technologies are becoming essential for protecting both military assets and civilian infrastructure.

As nations worldwide invest in innovative drone defense solutions, it’s clear that future battlefields will increasingly depend on advancements in unmanned systems technology.

As the demand for effective counter-drone solutions intensifies, innovations like LIVET highlight the evolving landscape of military technology. In a similar vein, the U.S. Army's recent approval of the Cerberus MI drone showcases advancements in armed UAV systems, further emphasizing the critical need for robust defenses against aerial threats.