Merops Interceptor Drones Deployed to the Middle East
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has announced the deployment of 10,000 Ukrainian-made Merops interceptor drones to the Middle East. This initiative is designed to counter Iranian attacks, particularly those involving Shahed drones. The AI-equipped drones were developed under the Project Eagle defense program, which is supported by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The shipment was dispatched over a five-day period following the start of a joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran on February 28th.
Each Merops drone costs approximately $14,000 to $15,000, though bulk orders could potentially reduce the unit price to between $3,000 and $5,000. For comparison, Iranian Shahed drones carry a price tag of at least $20,000 each. This deployment highlights how Ukraine's battlefield experience is now yielding exportable defense technology. Ukraine has also dispatched three teams of professional experts to regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and, more recently, Jordan. More than ten nations have approached Ukraine for assistance in defending against Shahed drones.
Ukrainian Expertise and Ongoing Negotiations
Dan Driscoll noted: 'We actually have a better cost position here. So every time Iran launches a drone that we are able to shoot down, they lose a significant amount of money.'
It is also worth noting that the United States and Qatar are engaged in negotiations with Ukraine regarding the purchase of these Ukrainian interceptor drones. These talks are in their early stages and are being conducted at a government-to-government level.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that 'right now, we in Ukraine possess the world's greatest expertise in countering 'Shaheds' because of this war.'
He added that effectively utilizing the interceptors requires hands-on operational experience, as well as integrated work with radar and air defense systems.
The deployment of Merops drones underscores Ukraine's growing role in the global defense sector, particularly in countering Iranian drone threats. This U.S.-Ukraine cooperation could become a significant component of regional security, given the escalating threats from Iran. The support from other countries, which has already generated multiple requests for assistance, points to increasing international interest in Ukrainian military technology.