The United States plans to deploy a new counter-drone system in the Middle East. The drones have already been tested by Ukraine and may become a cheaper alternative to expensive air defense missiles.
A System That Has Shot Down Over a Thousand Drones
The US military plans to deploy the MEROPS system in the Middle East in the near future. According to representatives of the US defense department, it could be ready for combat use just days after arrival.
MEROPS uses the Surveyor interceptor drone. It is a small propeller-driven UAV that can chase and destroy enemy drones in the air. It can reach speeds of more than 280 km per hour and intercept both propeller-driven and jet-powered drones. The system includes the interceptor drone itself, a ground control station, and launch units. A team of four soldiers operates it: a commander, an operator, and two technicians.
According to the developers, Ukraine has already destroyed more than a thousand “Shahed” drones with MEROPS during Russia’s full-scale invasion, which has lasted for more than four years.
MEROPS is relatively inexpensive. One interceptor drone costs about $15,000. By comparison, interceptor missiles for air defense systems such as Patriot or THAAD can cost millions of dollars each. Iranian Shahed attack drones, which Russian forces also use, usually cost between $20,000 and $50,000. In large numbers, they can overwhelm even modern air defense systems. Sometimes defenders must use expensive missiles to destroy relatively cheap targets.
Iranian Drones in the Middle East
The deployment of MEROPS comes as Iranian drones are increasingly used in the region. After the US and Israel launched operations against Iran, Tehran began sending thousands of drones toward US bases and allies in the Middle East. Interceptor UAVs could become an important part of a new air defense system, especially against mass drone attacks.
Ukraine’s experience in fighting “Shaheds” has become an example for other countries. On March 5, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had received a request from the US for support in defending against “Shahed” drones.
Over the past year, Kyiv has focused on creating and deploying an arsenal of inexpensive interceptor drones. Ukraine uses them to counter Russian “Shaheds,” which Russia regularly launches against Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian interceptor drones cost about $2,500 each. Zelenskyy said Ukraine produces about 1,000 of them per day.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Kyiv is offering its experience to Persian Gulf countries in exchange for funding for the defense industry. Ukrainians are also discussing a drone technology exchange with the United States. The negotiations could bring financial aid to Ukraine and American interceptor missiles for Ukrainian Patriot air defense systems.
