Portable 40mm launcher kills drones by firing 6.5-feet-long steel chains at 80 m/s — German researchers' low-tech mechanical 'bola' outshines textile drops quadcopters without lasers or EMPs

German researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a portable anti-drone weapon that fires 6.5-feet-long steel chains at drones, entangling their rotors and bringing them down without lasers or EMPs. The concept is inspired by the bola, a traditional South American weapon. The team conducted simulations and live firing trials to test the effectiveness of the chain projectile, which weighs 70 grams and can be launched from a portable device. While the system is effective at short distances, its low cost and minimal collateral damage risk make it a promising solution for countering unauthorized drone flights over critical infrastructure in Germany.