Poland and Romania are deploying the Merops drone defense system to counter Russian drone incursions, with Denmark and NATO also adopting the technology to bolster Europe’s eastern flank.

Drones’ low-altitude flight, slow speeds, and potential misidentification as birds complicate detection, a gap Merops aims to fill by delivering faster threat assessment and interception options.

NATO officials describe Merops as capable of targeting and neutralizing drones, either directly or by providing actionable data to ground or air forces, thereby buying time for threat assessment and decision-making.

The program draws attention from notable figures and entities, including Col. Mark McLellan, Brig. Gen. Thomas Lowin, Gen. Chris Donahue, and investments associated with Eric Schmidt, highlighting international collaboration and political dynamics.

Backers and emphasis on proven effectiveness in Ukraine have helped propel Merops, with investment from prominent tech leadership underscoring confidence in the system.

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged early military shortcomings but claimed Russia has since advanced its tech capabilities, framing the conflict as an ongoing technological cat-and-mouse game among Ukraine, NATO, and Russia.

NATO and U.S. European Command officials support Merops as part of a flexible command-and-control network designed to integrate varied hardware and stay relevant as drone technology evolves.

Officials stress rapid development cycles and interoperability, outlining a multi-year plan to establish a layered, networked defense across NATO’s eastern perimeter within two to five years.

Merops has drawn attention due to ties with high-profile investors like Eric Schmidt, while public remarks from involved officials remain limited.

Key proponents describe Merops as filling detection gaps and enabling time-sensitive shoot/don’t shoot decisions for counter-drone operations.

The broader context is a global drone warfare race, with Ukraine serving as a proving ground and NATO seeking to offset Russia’s manpower with advanced sensors, C2 systems, and modular hardware.

Analysts warn that protracted drone campaigns would strain Western budgets and munitions, underscoring the need for affordable, scalable counter-drone solutions like Merops.