The Merops drone interception system, previously used in Ukraine, is again being deployed in combat conditions — this time by the American military during the war against Iran. Western media report this, citing a speech by US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, writes UNN.
Details
According to him, this is the second confirmed case of Merops' combat use. The system was first used in Ukraine at the end of 2025, where it helped destroy over 1,000 long-range Shahed-type drones.
After the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East in 2026, the US was able to purchase about 13,000 interceptor drones for the Merops system. The estimated cost of one such apparatus is about 15,000 dollars.
At the same time, the Pentagon expects that with increasing production volumes, the price may drop to 10,000 dollars or even less.
System advantages
According to American military estimates, Merops is significantly cheaper than other interception systems, including Raytheon's Coyote drones; the cost difference can exceed a tenfold factor.
The complex is based on Surveyor anti-aircraft drones, which can reach speeds of up to 285 km/h and are capable of intercepting even jet targets. A crew of four is sufficient to operate the system, and training lasts about two weeks.
Technologies and development
Targets are hit either by direct impact or by remote detonation. Resistance to electronic warfare means is also claimed.
The Merops system was created as part of Project Eagle, in which former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was involved.
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