Merops interceptors close in on Shahed drones as US seeks mass-produced counter-drone system

A Ukrainian drone unit posted an unverified video reportedly showing American-made Merops interceptors chasing a Shahed drone, underscoring the move toward a government-owned, mass-producible counter-drone system. The U.S. Army is launching a Low-Cost Interceptor program to let multiple manufacturers build the design, reducing dependence on Perennial Autonomy. Merops costs about $15,000 per unit, versus Shahed drones priced at roughly $30,000–$50,000, and has claimed to down thousands of drones, though some recent tests reported failures. NATO allies Romania and Lithuania have deployed Merops, highlighting a broader push to scale affordable drone defense; Ukraine also relies on cheap domestic drones in the conflict.