Story perspectives

US Army Buys 13,000 Merops Drones; Video Shows Hit, Miss

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ukrainian drone regiment posted a night-vision video that appears to show a Merops interceptor hitting a Shahed drone.
U.S. Army announced a Low-Cost Interceptor program to produce Merops drones with a live-fire test slated for fall 2026.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll told Congress the service bought 13,000 Merops at $15,000 each after the Iran-related conflict began in late February.
Mid-June footage showed a Merops failing to intercept a Russian drone.

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Story summary

Ukrainian drone regiment posted a night-vision video that appears to show a Merops interceptor hitting a Shahed drone.
U.S. Army announced a Low-Cost Interceptor program to produce Merops drones with a live-fire test slated for fall 2026.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll told Congress the service bought 13,000 Merops at $15,000 each after the Iran-related conflict began in late February.
Mid-June footage showed a Merops failing to intercept a Russian drone.