Drone Round announced today that its 5.56x45mm L Variant counter-UAS cartridge has been integrated into the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT), the U.S. Marine Corps virtual small arms training system produced by InVeris. The integration gives Marines a way to build engagement skills with the multi-projectile round on the same simulators already installed at bases across the Corps, timed to the arrival of the first live deliveries.
USMC photo by Ashley Calingo
The Marine Corps has purchased 400,000 L Variant cartridges to date and has stated its intent to procure an additional one million rounds in fiscal year 2027, which begins October 1. Deliveries to Marine Corps ammunition supply points are underway and expected to be complete in September, with Marine Expeditionary Force commanders determining which units receive the ammunition first.
That fielding timeline created an immediate training requirement. Counter-UAS engagements demand a different skill set than conventional marksmanship, including target lead on fast-moving aerial threats at close range. Live rounds issued to units are intended for operational use, not familiarization.
As part of the Marine Corps’ Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT) Tech Refresh, InVeris will introduce a new counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) training capability. This enhancement will enable Marines across the force the ability to engage with aerial drone threats with their individual weapon in a simulated environment. By integrating C-UAS training with the M27 IAR simulator and fielding it across more than 200 ISMT systems, Marines will be able to repeatedly practice detecting, tracking, deciding when to engage, and engaging aerial threats. Because the capability is built on InVeris’ existing COTS platform, additional scenarios, threats, and courses of fire will continually be developed as the UAS threat and Marine Corps tactics, techniques, and procedures evolve.
“The round was built so a Marine could use the rifle already in their hands, and the training has to work the same way, on the simulators already in the building. Getting the virtual capability out at the same time as the ammunition means a Marine can practice the engagement before the moment they need it.” said Kirk Fernandez, co-founder and CEO of Drone Round.
“This partnership reflects the innovation the Marine Corps needs — taking the training infrastructure they already trust and readying it for Counter-UAS defense. InVeris is proud that our platform allows us to build this capability into the ISMT Tech Refresh rather than standing up something entirely new. This is what it means to grow with our customer’s mission.” said Clyde Tuggle, CEO of InVeris.
The Marine Corps has been building counter-drone proficiency into general-purpose forces through 2026. The service introduced its first counter-small unmanned aerial system lanes during Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 in July at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, with Marines engaging aerial targets using organic small arms alongside non-kinetic electronic warfare techniques. Soldiers with the U.S. Army XVIII Airborne Corps have trained with Drone Round ammunition since April 2026.
The L Variant separates into five projectiles after firing to increase probability of hit against small drones. It is effective to 100 meters, requires no modification to standard 5.56mm NATO weapons, and is full-auto and suppressor capable. Drone Round has also developed L and K Variants in 7.62x51mm.
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