U.S. forces adopt smart rifle sight for counter-drone defense

The United States Army integrated Israeli-made computerized rifle sights into multinational counter-drone training at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany on Feb. 12, 2026, where American and allied troops conducted weapons qualifications using the SMASH 2000 system.

The activity took place during the Air Force’s Joint Multi-Domain Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator Course, according to a recent service press release.

The integration reflects growing efforts by U.S. and NATO forces to adapt infantry units to the expanding threat posed by small unmanned aerial systems, which have increasingly appeared in modern combat environments. The training aimed to give frontline personnel a practical method for engaging low-flying drones using standard service rifles equipped with advanced fire-control technology.

According to the release, United States Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Belgian soldiers participated in live-fire qualifications employing the SMASH 2000 system. The course focused on counter-unmanned aircraft operations across multiple domains, emphasizing coordination between services and allied forces operating in shared airspace and contested environments.

The SMASH 2000, developed by Israeli company SMARTSHOOTER, is the lightest handheld variant of the company’s fire-control system family. The device combines artificial intelligence, computer vision, and advanced tracking algorithms to help dismounted forces detect, track, and engage aerial and ground threats. The system is designed to improve hit probability against fast-moving targets, particularly small drones that are difficult to engage using conventional optics.

According to SMARTSHOOTER, the technology provides a combat-proven hard-kill solution against small unmanned aerial systems while remaining compatible with standard infantry weapons. The company confirmed the system’s appearance in Army reporting following the exercise, stating: “Proud to see our SMASH 2000L (3000) referenced in U.S. Army reporting from counter-drone training in Europe. We’re focused on delivering precise, reliable capabilities for evolving operational needs.”

The SMASH system was initially selected by the U.S. Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) and the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) as a kinetic solution intended for squad-level counter-drone operations. It has since been fielded by U.S. Special Operations Forces, the U.S. Marine Corps, and several NATO allied militaries.

As noted by the company, the SMASH family of fire-control systems is designed to improve precision and situational awareness by electronically assisting the firing process. Mounted directly onto a rifle, the system allows an operator to designate a target while onboard software continuously tracks movement and calculates a firing solution. The weapon fires only when the system determines that the probability of a successful hit meets programmed parameters.

This approach differs from traditional optical sights by actively managing shot release rather than simply aiding aiming. The technology reduces missed shots against maneuvering aerial targets and allows individual soldiers to engage drones without relying on heavier air defense systems or specialized interceptors.

The SMASH 2000 system is intended for contested environments where electronic warfare effects, terrain limitations, or logistics constraints may restrict access to vehicle-mounted counter-UAS systems.

SMARTSHOOTER said its fire-control technology has already been deployed operationally by defense and security forces in the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, NATO member states, and other allied nations. Operational use has focused on countering small drones operating at short range and low altitude, where reaction time is limited and traditional air defenses may be less effective.