The Romanian Armed Forces are preparing to induct the Merops counter-drone system into operational service after the platform demonstrated strong effectiveness against Russian Shahed-type one-way attack drones. According to Romania’s Chief of the Defence Staff, operator teams are currently undergoing training on the newly procured system, which is intended to address the growing threat posed by long-range loitering munitions used in regional conflicts.
Merops has already seen combat use in Ukraine, where it has reportedly intercepted more than 1,000 Shahed drones, drawing increasing attention from NATO allies. The system is also undergoing evaluation by Polish forces under a NATO framework aimed at reinforcing air and drone defenses along the alliance’s eastern flank. Romanian media reports indicate that Merops successfully neutralized Shahed drone replicas during testing, further validating its performance.
Developed by US startup Project Eagle, the Merops program was launched following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and is backed by a consortium that includes former technology executives. The system integrates a ground control station, a truck-mounted launch unit, and the high-speed Surveyor interceptor drone, forming a compact and mobile counter-UAS solution. The Surveyor employs onboard sensors and artificial intelligence-enabled tracking to autonomously detect, pursue, and engage hostile drones.
Capable of speeds up to 282 kilometers per hour, the interceptor destroys targets through direct impact or proximity-fused detonation while carrying an explosive payload. Each interceptor reportedly costs around $15,000, significantly less than the estimated $35,000 cost of a Shahed drone, making Merops a highly cost-effective and attritable defense option. The system can be operated by a four-person crew, with training reportedly completed in as little as two weeks, supporting rapid fielding and scalability.
