Poland presents WLKM machine gun that can successfully shoot down enemy drones

The Polish defence company PGZ has developed the WLKM 12.7mm four-barrel machine gun, which resembles the US Minigun. Its claimed effective range is up to 2,200 metres, which potentially makes it an effective tool against drones.

Here's What We Know

The WLKM machine gun is being demonstrated at the IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It was originally developed for use on armoured vehicles, fixed firing points, patrol boats and multi-purpose helicopters. At the same time, its dimensions remain quite compact and its weight is 50 kg.

Currently, the Polish PGZ is positioning the WLKM as a means of combating drones. The machine gun is capable of firing up to 3,600 rounds per minute, uses power to rotate the barrels and is fired with 12.7×99 mm NATO (.50 BMG) ammunition.

Compared to the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun, which has an effective range of up to 2,500 metres, the Polish WLKM has a similar range, but no information on the height of the target. This makes it difficult to assess its real effectiveness against drones.

At the same time, not only firepower remains an important factor, but also the integration of the machine gun into the situational awareness and data transmission system, which determines its effectiveness in combat conditions.

Source: Army Recognition