Poland and Romania are deploying a new weapons system to defend against Russian drones after a series of drone incursions into NATO airspace, reports the Associated Press, citing military officials from the alliance.
This is the American Merops system, which uses artificial intelligence to recognize drones and can approach them even if there are obstacles in satellite or electronic communications. It is so compact that it fits in the back of a medium-sized pickup truck.
“This system provides very accurate detection. It is able to target drones and shoot them down, and at minimal cost. It’s much cheaper than putting F-35s in the air and shooting them down with a missile,” said Colonel Mark McClellan, assistant chief of staff for operations at NATO Land Command.
Due to their small size and slow flight, drones are often mistaken for birds or small aircraft, making them difficult to detect. The Merops system is designed to fill these gaps.
According to McClellan, Merops “essentially directs drones against drones” — either destroying enemy drones or transmitting target data to ground or air forces for their destruction. The system can be used both to protect critical infrastructure, such as airports, and to cover troops in a combat zone.
In addition to Poland and Romania, the system will also be deployed by Denmark as part of efforts to strengthen defenses on NATO’s eastern flank. The goal of the deployment is to create a border along the eastern flank so fortified that it will deter any attempts to breach it – from Norway in the north to Turkey in the south.
