Merops Interceptors Highlight Cheap, Scalable Counter-Drone Role Amid US Tech Push

A Ukrainian unit posted video allegedly showing American-made Merops interceptors pursuing a Shahed drone, underscoring the effectiveness of low-cost counter-drone tech as the U.S. moves to field a government-owned interceptor design for scale. Merops is inexpensive (about $15,000 per unit) and has downed thousands of drones, a capability NATO nations have adopted (Romania, Poland, Lithuania). The Army’s Low-Cost Interceptor program aims to enable multiple manufacturers to produce a government-owned blueprint, reducing reliance on Perennial Autonomy. Ukraine has asked the Pentagon to help scale manufacturing, but Washington reportedly declined; some Merops tests have shown failures in certain conditions.”,