The U.S. shot down a Shahed for the first time using the Merops system, which was tested in Ukraine — Business Insider
The U.S. military has deployed the Merops drone interception system in combat for the first time; the system had previously been tested in Ukraine. Using this system, an Iranian “Shahed”-type attack drone was destroyed in the Middle East.
According to Business Insider, the interception took place this week. Prior to this, the Merops system had already been used in Ukraine to combat Russian attack drones, where it is claimed to have destroyed more than a thousand “Shahed”-type drones. Following this, several Eastern European countries purchased the system.
According to Business Insider, U.S. military personnel in Kuwait successfully intercepted at least one Iranian kamikaze drone. This marked the first combat use of the Merops system by U.S. forces.
The Merops system was developed as part of the U.S. initiative Project Eagle. It consists of a radar, a launcher, a ground control station, and an interceptor drone. The drone is capable of speeds exceeding 175 miles per hour, uses artificial intelligence technology, and can engage targets either through direct collision or by detonating near them.
One of the system’s main advantages is its relatively low cost compared to anti-aircraft missiles, which makes it more cost-effective to counter massive drone attacks.
As the publication notes, the U.S. Army deployed Merops in the Middle East back in March. Following its successful combat deployment, the system has garnered even more attention as an effective means of countering attack drones, and Ukraine’s experience with its use has been one of the factors driving the spread of this technology among U.S. allies.
This was reported by Business Insider.
As a reminder, concerns have arisen within U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration over the rapid rate of use of interceptor missiles and precision-guided weapons during hostilities against Iran. U.S. officials warn that the defense industry may not be able to keep up with replenishing weapons stocks.
Trump has threatened to strike Iran’s bridges and power plants.
Trump stated that Putin and Xi promised not to supply weapons to Iran.
