DSEI UK 2025: SMASH 3000 for heavy machine guns unveiled

Smartshooter is set to unveil a new version of its SMASH 3000 smart fire control system designed for heavy machine guns at DSEI UK 2025, which will be held from 9-12 September in London. 

The company’s sights, which are used to provide fire control solutions for assault rifles, dramatically improving their accuracy against small targets like drones, have been upgraded and integrated onto the M2 12.7×99 mm heavy machine gun during Project VANAHEIM/FLYTRAP, the September 2 press release explains. 

Project Flytrap is a series of C-UAS exercises taking place in Germany and Poland. V Corps of the U.S. Army is involved, as well as British soldiers, and the project is a key component of V Corps’ transformation strategy to address the threat of drones on the modern battlefield. The soldiers test various C-UAS technologies and tactics.

There have been four iterations of the Project this year: The first set out to identify relevant C-UAS solutions, the second saw the selected systems installed into British and US formations and the third focused on squad and platoon-level C-UAS exercises, according to the Army Times. The fourth, most recent iteration involved battalion-level offensive and defensive operations. A key takeaway from these exercises is that there is no single “silver bullet” for countering drones, and a layered defence is necessary.

“During the latest VANAHEIM trial, SMASH fire control systems were employed in handheld, vehicle-mounted, and remotely operated configurations. Notably, the SMASH 3000 was mounted for the first time on a Heavy Machine Gun, along with the SMASH HOPPER Light Remotely Controlled Weapon Station mounted on a reconnaissance vehicle,” the press release explains. And a SMASH sight engaged a UAS target at a range of 400 metres, likely when mounted to a heavy machine gun. But the exercises also included infantry engagements with their assault rifles and SMASH sights too. 

The tests also explored the sight’s ability to receive targeting information from the Android Tactical Awareness Kit (ATAK). ATAK is a powerful and versatile software application that has become a cornerstone for tactical situational awareness. It transforms a standard Android smartphone or tablet into a sophisticated geospatial command and control tool. Its primary function is to provide a common operational picture (COP) for a team, allowing all members to see each other’s locations, as well as the positions of targets, points of interest, and other critical data on a digital map in real-time. The targeting data was passed from a battle management system to the ATAK and then on to the SMASH 3000 sight, the press release states. 

Other C-UAS capabilities like the drone detection kits from MyDefence, can also integrate into ATAK, which touches upon the kind of layered approach that Project VANAHEIM/FLYTRAP has suggested is necessary. For dismounted soldiers in particular, layering detection and weapons through ATAK would be a valid and sensible approach to C-UAS. 

Tech profile: SMASH 3000

The SMASH 3000 assault rifle configuration. Credit: Smartshooter

The SMASH 3000 is an advanced fire control system designed to significantly enhance a soldier’s accuracy and lethality, particularly against small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and other moving targets. It integrates a digital camera, a display for the shooter, and an onboard computer. The system uses advanced AI and machine vision to automatically detect, track, and lock onto a designated target. It maintains the lock even when the shooter or the target is in motion. The SMASH 3000’s primary feature is its “Lock-Track-Hit” process. The shooter identifies the target, the system locks on and tracks it, and then the system provides a visual cue (e.g., a red dot or cross) to indicate when the shot is guaranteed to hit. It reportedly provides a 95% hit rate against small drones, presumably at comfortable ranges for assault rifles, 100-200 metres.

• Weight: Approximately 740 grams (1.63 lbs).
• Dimensions: 181 mm x 73.5 mm x 75 mm.
• Power Source: A rechargeable smart lithium-ion battery pack. It provides up to 72 hours of use or up to 3,600 SMASH-assisted shots.
• Durability: The system is built to military standards (MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461E), ensuring ruggedness for use in combat environments.
• Magnification: The base SMASH 3000 has a non-magnifying (1x) see-through optic, similar to a reflex sight. However, other versions like the SMASH X4 offer a 4x magnification for extended ranges.

Calibre comment

During the Cold War, there was a common refrain – which may also have been included in US Army field manuals – which went something along the lines of “air defence is everyone’s job.” Put simply, it meant that every soldier in the field had a responsibility to support the air defence fight. This might mean remaining vigilant and alert, or even engaging targets with their personal weapons. In many ways this is still the case, but the spread of drones means that air defence is everyone’s problem, not just their job. So, counter-drone solutions need to be available at all echelons. Electronic warfare is an important component, but will realistically be provided to Western forces in a nodal fashion, with some areas very well-protected and others less so. Having sights like SMASH 3000, which can be fitted to a variety of weapons, means that an armed force can disperse C-UAS capabilities throughout its operational area, increasing the overall ability to detect and intercept drones. Added to that, the sight’s ability to receive data via ATAK means that intelligence can be rapidly disseminated and acted upon. 

If the C-UAS fight is a key focus, you can visit Smartshooter during DSEI, at the company’s stand, N11 – 120.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 2, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Smartshooter.