NATO has deployed the U.S.-made Merops counter-drone system along its Eastern Flank to counter the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Polish and Romanian forces completed a rapid 20-day training course before putting the system into operational use.
Rapid Training and Fielding
Soldiers from Poland, Romania, and the U.S. attended a comprehensive “Train-the-Trainer” program at the Lipa training area. The course included classroom lessons, practical flight exercises, and night operations. Trainees successfully destroyed a jet-powered drone, demonstrating the system’s readiness for deployment.
Merops Capabilities and Combat Proven Performance
Merops is a short- and medium-range C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial System) designed to detect, track, and neutralize UAV threats. Tested in Ukraine, the system has proven effective against Russian Shahed drones and other unmanned threats. NATO officials emphasize that Merops complements existing air-defense systems by providing a cost-effective solution against small drones used for surveillance or attack.
Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank
Recent UAV incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace, attributed to Russia, accelerated the procurement and deployment of Merops. NATO leaders highlight that rapid fielding of counter-drone systems like Merops enhances the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line, ensuring quick response against emerging threats.
