Counter-drone air defense system fires thousands of rounds using US-made gatling gun

A Slovenian defense manufacturer has successfully completed live-fire trials of its new counter-drone air defense system. Called ASGARD, the system is equipped with the American-made Dillon Aero M134D 7.62 mm Gatling gun. Developed by Valhalla Turrets, the weapon fired thousands of rounds throughout the testing programme.The trials focused on evaluating the ASGARD system’s capabilities against different types of unmanned aerial threats at short and medium ranges. Although detailed interception figures and specific engagement results have not been publicly disclosed, the successful completion of the programme represents an important milestone for the Slovenian defense industry. Designed to protect military convoys ASGARD has been developed as a medium-weight, remotely operated air defense turret designed to protect military convoys, ground forces and critical infrastructure against low-flying aerial threats. The system has a reported combat weight of approximately 1,850-lb and 2,094-lb and provides full 360-degree traverse capability. Its elevation range extends from -10 to +80 degrees, while its maximum angular movement speed is stated to reach 120 degrees per second. The primary weapon tested during the recent trials was the Dillon Aero M134D, a six-barrel, electrically driven Gatling gun chambered for 7.62×51 mm NATO ammunition. The effectiveness of a Gatling gun against small UAVs depends on more than its firing rate. Target detection, tracking accuracy, sensor integration and fire-control capabilities are equally important. ASGARD fires 3,000 rounds/min The weapon has a firing rate of 3,000 rounds per minute, equivalent to approximately 50 rounds per second. Its multi-barrel design distributes firing cycles across six barrels, supporting sustained firing while distributing heat and mechanical stress.Gun-based counter-drone systems offer another layer of defense, potentially providing a more economical option against certain categories of short-range aerial threats.ASGARD’s remotely operated configuration is intended to support integration onto military vehicles, allowing it to accompany ground formations rather than remain restricted to fixed defensive positions. The ASGARD program also reflects Slovenia’s broader efforts to strengthen its domestic defense industrial capabilities.ASGARD represents an attempt to combine a modular remotely operated turret with an established high-rate-of-fire weapon system.Its ultimate operational value will depend on the performance of the complete system rather than the Gatling gun alone. Reliable detection, identification, tracking and fire-control integration will be essential in determining whether it can provide effective protection under realistic battlefield conditions. The successful completion of live-fire testing could help establish a foundation for further development, evaluation and potential future procurement. The development of ASGARD comes at a time when European armed forces are increasingly prioritising counter-drone capabilities as part of their wider air defence strategies. Recent conflicts have demonstrated that relatively inexpensive unmanned aircraft can challenge conventional military formations, expose logistical infrastructure and create persistent surveillance threats.