The U.S. Army is set to deploy the Merops counter-drone system to the Middle East, a move confirmed by defense officials. This system has demonstrated significant effectiveness in Ukraine, successfully intercepting over 1,000 Shahed drones. The Merops system, which utilizes propeller-driven interceptors costing approximately $15,000 each, is anticipated to arrive in the region within a week and will be combat-ready shortly thereafter.
While the exact number of systems being sent remains undisclosed, the deployment aims to provide U.S. and allied forces with a cost-effective air defense solution against Iranian drones, which have posed a growing threat in the region. The Shahed drones, priced between $20,000 and $50,000, can challenge even advanced air defense systems, necessitating the use of more expensive interceptors.
The Merops system consists of the Surveyor interceptor, a ground control station, and launch stations, all operated by a four-man crew. The Surveyor is equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities and can achieve speeds over 175 mph, making it faster than the commonly used Shahed-136, which travels at around 115 mph. Should a Surveyor miss its target, it can deploy a parachute for retrieval and reuse.
U.S. forces in the Middle East will receive training from Army personnel in Europe, who have previously instructed NATO allies on operating the Merops system. This deployment coincides with ongoing operations in the region and increasing drone threats from Iran. In related developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine is also collaborating with the U.S. to enhance counter-drone capabilities against Shahed drones.