All articles tagged with #iranian drones
Iranian-designed drones are driving up the price of air defense in the Middle East and beyond, with Ukrainian-made Sting interceptors touted as a far cheaper alternative to costly Patriot systems. The debate centers on whether mass, low-cost drones can be countered without exhausting expensive stockpiles, as experts stress that capacity and sustainability may matter more than per-shot costs in this new era of drone warfare.
Saudi Arabia is negotiating a large Ukrainian arms deal, reportedly including Ukrainian-made air-defense missiles, amid Iranian drone attacks; Ukraine says it struck a Bryansk missile-control plant and has gained ground in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, while Germany and partners move to supply about 35 Patriot PAC-3 interceptors.
The US will deploy Merops, a small AI-enabled anti-drone system proven against Russian drones in Ukraine, to the Middle East to bolster defenses against Iranian Shahed drones. The system is cheaper to operate than missiles, has already been used in Poland and Romania, and will be sent to locations beyond US bases in the Gulf as part of a broader push for faster counter-drone capabilities.
Capt. Lacie Hester became the first female airman to receive the Silver Star for her role in shooting down over 80 Iranian drones during an attack on Israel, marking a historic moment for women in the military. The award ceremony at RAF Lakenheath also honored other members of the 494th Fighter Squadron. The event coincides with controversial comments by Pete Hegseth, Trump's defense secretary pick, about women in combat roles.