China Copies America's Futuristic "Sub-Second Detect-To-Fire" Anti-Drone Swarm Dome Gun
China appears to have replicated a next-generation counter-drone system we first covered in mid-July. The system uses a multi-barrel hemispherical array that reduces much of the latency associated with conventional turrets, shortening the sensor-to-shooter engagement cycle. Beijing's apparent interest reflects the design's potential as a next-generation counter-UAS system capable of engaging drone swarms approaching simultaneously from multiple directions.
X user Drone Wars revealed that Chongqing Jianshe Industry, a Chinese state-owned arms manufacturer specializing in light weapons, developed a multi-barrel weapon concept designed to counter drones approaching from multiple directions.
Drone Wars added more color:
The patent describes several barrel assemblies connected to a common propellant chamber. Each assembly uses a feed tube containing spherical projectiles, with a spring mechanism automatically moving the next projectile into position after firing. According to the design, propellant gas drives a locking block during firing, closing the feed opening and preventing gas from escaping. Once pressure drops, a return spring moves the block back, reopening the feed path and allowing the next projectile to enter the firing position. The concept reportedly allows multiple barrel assemblies to be mounted at different angles, enabling simultaneous fire in several directions. The design appears intended to increase the likelihood of engaging small drones approaching from different angles.
China’s Chongqing Jianshe Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. has reportedly developed a multi-barrel concept intended for countering unmanned aerial vehicles.
— Drone Wars (@Drone_Wars_) August 13, 2026
The patent describes several barrel assemblies connected to a common propellant chamber. Each assembly uses a feed tube… pic.twitter.com/AfBCMVNZTv
Circling back to our report last month, titled "Sub-Second Detect-To-Fire": Futuristic Dome Turret Could Be US Military's Answer To Drone Swarms, China's answer to Picket Defense Systems' multi-barrel hemispherical array appears very similar.
"Fixed multi-barrel hemispherical array: no slewing delay. Sub-second detect-to-fire. No dead zones, no blind spots, no reaction time," Picket wrote in a slide deck.
This week in the counter-UAS market, Northrop Grumman unveiled a chain gun designed to defend critical infrastructure from drone swarms.
The skies are changing. Defending against one threat isn’t enough anymore. Our Raid Hunter™ is built to meet the challenge with precision-guided gunfire and the speed needed to help protect what’s critical. pic.twitter.com/Meuqyg04oY
— Northrop Grumman (@northropgrumman) August 11, 2026
We suspect a procurement supercycle for drone and counter-drone systems will kick off next year.
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Drone swarms with fully automated kill chains will only increase demand for next-generation counter-UAS systems, such as multi-barrel hemispherical arrays.