U.S. Army Utilizes Merops System to Counter Iranian Drones in Middle East
The U.S. Army has deployed the Merops system, a domestically produced drone interception technology, to counter Iranian drones in the Middle East. This system, which has been effective in Ukraine against Russian drones, was used by U.S. forces in Kuwait to intercept an Iranian Shahed drone. The Merops system, part of the U.S. initiative Perennial Autonomy, includes radar, a launcher, and an interceptor drone capable of high-speed navigation using artificial intelligence. The system is cost-effective, priced at approximately $15,000 per unit, and is seen as a cheaper alternative to traditional missile systems. The U.S. Army Secretary, Dan Driscoll, has indicated that the army has purchased thousands of these drones following the escalation of conflict with Iran. 
