Army Explains How Merops Interceptor Drone Became Program Of Record In Just 142 Days

The US Army transitioned the Merops counter-drone system into a program of record in 142 days after an urgent requirement from NATO partner forces. Developed under Project Eagle and now associated with Perennial Autonomy, Merops launches small Surveyor interceptor aircraft from a mobile system to engage incoming one-way attack drones. Acquisition teams first fielded the capability to partners within about 21 to 22 days, and the effort subsequently expanded to mobile firing teams supporting another theater. Army officials described purchases totaling 13,000 interceptors, while stressing that performance demonstrated in Ukraine must be assessed against the terrain and threats of each deployment.