Belgian Air Force Taps Benelli M4s for Drone-Busting Duty

Needing a kinetic solution to interloping unidentified drones creeping into its airspace, the Belgians went with a 12-gauge option.

The Kleine-Brogel Air Base earlier this month highlighted its security forces training with their new C-UAS (Counter Unmanned Aerial System), namely, Benelli M4 semi-auto shotguns stoked with high brass steel shot.

Drone buster patch Kleine-Brogel Air Base — I sense a need for a new Guns.com patch option. (Photo: BAF)

Benelli M4s at Kleine-Brogel Air Base — The Belgian Air Force noted nine of its base security personnel underwent training with the Benellis. (Photo: BAF)

Drones shot down by Benelli M4s at Kleine-Brogel Air Base — It seems that 12-gauge steel shot works against quadcopters. (Photo: BAF)

"It is a user-friendly weapon, very effective and now operational at our air base," noted the base on social media with the hashtag #bettersafethansorry.

Founded in 1909, the air component of the Belgian Armed Forces currently consists of about 6,500 active personnel and has over 120 aircraft on hand, including some 43 F-16s, and is transitioning to the more modern F-35 Lightning. Kleine-Brogel is one of the service's primary bases, home to the 349th Fighter Squadron and 31st (Tiger) Fighter Bomber Squadron, both F-16 units.

The Italian firm of Benelli Armi SpA, which dates to the 1960s, includes the subsidiaries of Franchi and Stoeger, and since 2000, has been owned by Beretta. In addition to robust commercial sales, the company's M-series Super 90 autoloading 12 gauges have seen enduring service with military and law enforcement users since the 1980s. Notably, the M4 sailed through arduous trials with the Army and was adopted by the Marines in 1999 as the M1014 Joint Services Combat Shotgun.

But don't take our word for it; check out the below from Garand Thumb for further.

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