As drone warfare shifts toward faster swarm attacks and jam-resistant aircraft, one US startup believes traditional counter-drone systems no longer react quickly enough at close range.

Picket Defense Systems has introduced a compact defensive turret built to intercept drones from every direction within seconds. Called Inferno RTC, the system replaces the slow tracking motion of conventional gun turrets with a multi-barrel spherical structure that can instantly engage threats approaching from different angles.

The company designed the platform for the final seconds before impact, when drones break through outer air-defense layers and leave little time for response.

Built for swarm fights

Inferno RTC uses a rotating ball-shaped turret lined with dozens of fixed barrels positioned at varying elevations. Instead of turning one weapon toward a target, the system selects the nearest firing solution automatically.

Picket says the setup eliminates much of the lag found in conventional remote weapon stations.

The lighter configuration weighs about 45 pounds and carries 36 barrels supporting 5.56mm ammunition, .410 shells, and 20-gauge rounds. A larger model weighs roughly 90 pounds and carries more than 54 barrels. That version supports heavier 12-gauge and 40mm low-velocity munitions.

Both systems can reportedly detect and engage threats at ranges reaching 120 meters.

The startup says the turret can defeat sudden pop-up attacks and engage several drones simultaneously. Engineers also designed the platform to operate from moving vehicles and forward positions near the front line.

Silent targeting stack

Rather than relying on radar emissions, Inferno RTC tracks threats using passive sensors. The system combines a 3D acoustic microphone array with multiple optical cameras to locate and follow drones without broadcasting detectable signals.

That approach addresses a growing challenge for US and allied forces. Many newer drones now resist electronic warfare systems through autonomous navigation or fiber-optic guidance links.

Picket says onboard artificial intelligence processes incoming sensor data and prioritizes threats in real time. The company claims the system can continue operating without external network support or traditional RF-based targeting.

The startup argues that current layered air-defense systems still leave vulnerable gaps at extremely short range. Drone swarms can exploit those openings by attacking from several directions at once.

Lightweight modular design

Inferno RTC supports several payload options beyond standard ammunition. Operators can equip the turret with nets, smoke obscurants, or laser dazzlers depending on mission needs. The company says the modular setup makes the platform suitable for border protection, military bases, and urban infrastructure defense where limiting collateral damage matters.

Picket also focused heavily on lowering manufacturing costs. Engineers built major structural components using 3D-printed resin instead of conventional steel construction. The company says the lighter material reduces system weight while speeding up production for rapid deployment.

Inferno RTC reflects a broader Pentagon push toward cheaper and more distributed counter-drone defenses. As low-cost drones continue to reshape modern combat, defense firms increasingly focus on compact systems that can react faster than traditional air-defense platforms.