US EditionU.S. to Send Anti-Drone System to the Mideast After Successful Use in Ukraine, Officials Say
Merops, a drone interceptor used successfully in Ukraine, will enhance US defenses in the Persian Gulf against Iranian Shahed drones amid concerns of retaliatory strikes.
- On Friday, U.S. defense officials said the Merops counter-drone system proven in Ukraine will soon be sent to the Middle East, with most systems delivered by Perennial Autonomy, manufacturer backed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
- Pentagon officials conceded they struggle to stop waves of Iranian drones, leaving some Gulf targets vulnerable, and Rep. Jim Himes called the attacks a `math problem` that makes costly interceptors unsustainable.
- Merops operates as a drone-versus-drone system that fits in the back of a midsize pickup truck and uses artificial intelligence to identify targets when satellite and electronic communications are jammed.
- Deployment could defend U.S. bases and regional populations without costly missile interceptors, but it underscores concerns about an Iranian retaliatory response across the region.
- U.S. officials say lessons learned from deployments in Ukraine informed the decision to send Merops to NATO countries Poland and Romania, tested on Nov. 18, 2025.
44 Articles
44 Articles
The U.S. is sending an AI-powered anti-drone system to the Mideast as response to countering Iran's Shahed has been 'disappointing'
The drones fired by Iran are a much more basic version of the same drone that Russia is continuously refining and updating in its war in Ukraine.
The US is sending a new drone-killer to the Middle East. It's logged over 1,000 Shahed intercepts over Ukraine.
A Polish Army soldier prepares an AS3 Surveyor interceptor drone.Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesA new counter-drone system with a proven record defending Ukraine's skies is headed to the Middle East.The US Army is deploying the Merops system, which has scored over 1,000 Shahed kills in Ukraine.The propeller-driven interceptors are reported to cost about $15,000 each.The US Army is deploying an American-made counter-drone system that has in…
US looks to anti-drone system tested in Ukraine
LONDON — An American anti-drone system proven to work against Russian drones in Ukraine will soon be sent to the Middle East to bolster U.S. defenses against Iranian drones, two U.S. officials told The Associated Press on Friday.
US to deploy 'Merops' anti-drone system in Middle East to deter Iranian attacks: Know about it
The United States is preparing to send an advanced anti-drone system to the Middle East to strengthen its defence capabilities against Iranian drones. The system has already proven effective against Russian drones during the war in Ukraine, The Associated Press reported citing two US officials. Although American forces have successfully intercepted Iranian missiles using the Patriot and THAAD missile defence systems, officials admit that the reg…
Defense News
US to send anti-drone system to Mideast after successful use in Ukraine, officials say
The system that is being sent, known as Merops, flies drones against drones. It is small enough to fit in the back of a midsize pickup truck.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
