A New System for Tracking and Downing Russian Drones is Being Deployed on NATO's Eastern Flank

SadaNews - Poland and Romania are beginning to deploy a new weapons system to defend against Russian drones, following a series of repeated violations of NATO airspace in recent months, which revealed security vulnerabilities in the alliance's defenses and raised concerns in Europe.

The new American system, known as "Merops," is small enough to be installed in the back of a medium truck. It features the ability to identify drone locations and approach them using artificial intelligence, even in the event of disrupted electronic communications or satellite navigation systems, according to the Associated Press.

In addition to its deployment in Poland and Romania, military officials from NATO confirmed to the Associated Press that the system will also be used in Denmark as part of a plan to enhance the defenses of the alliance's eastern flank. The goal is to ensure the borders with Russia are adequately equipped to deter Moscow from considering any breach, from Norway in the north to Turkey in the south.

The need for new technology

The importance of these systems became apparent after around 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace in early September, forcing the alliance to send expensive fighter jets to intercept drones costing only tens of thousands of dollars. Subsequently, Romania faced a similar attack, and airports in Copenhagen, Munich, Berlin, and Brussels were temporarily closed due to drone sightings, with other drones observed near military bases in Belgium and Denmark.

Colonel Mark McLellan from NATO's land forces command stated that the system "gives us very precise capability to detect, target, and down drones at a low cost," adding that its use is "much cheaper than launching an F-35 fighter to intercept a drone with a missile."

Drones fly at low altitudes and at slow speeds, making them difficult to detect using radars designed to detect fast missiles, and they can sometimes be mistaken for birds or civilian aircraft. Here, the "Merops" system fills these gaps, as it "fights drones with drones," McLellan said, through direct engagement or by providing ground and air forces with accurate information to down them.

A tool for protecting infrastructure

The "Merops" system is used to protect critical infrastructure such as airports, as well as to safeguard ground forces while they are moving in combat areas. Brigadier General Thomas Lewin explained that NATO has begun deploying the first systems on the borders of Poland and Romania, while Denmark has also decided to purchase the same technology.

It is worth noting that former Google CEO Eric Schmidt invested in the "Merops" project, but both the company and the investor declined to make public statements, as did the defense ministries of Poland and Romania.

Towards a European "Drone Wall"

The Russian violations revealed the urgent need for new defenses against this evolving type of warfare, according to the Associated Press.

"Merops" is one of several systems that European armies need to tip the balance in NATO's favor in the "drone war." European companies are working on developing similar technologies and anti-drone missiles, while EU countries have agreed to establish a "drone wall" on their eastern borders.

Additionally, American military leaders in Europe are proposing the creation of a "deterrent line for the eastern flank," which is a multi-layered defense system along NATO's borders. The project aims to link sensors and command and control systems into a unified network that can be continuously updated.

While Russia has a massive military and a mandatory conscription system, the alliance believes it must compensate for Russia's numerical superiority with technological superiority. The "Merops" system is seen as the first phase in this process, which is expected to be completed within two to five years.

A testing ground in Ukraine

These developments come amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, which is entering its fourth year, having become a laboratory for drone development. NATO chose the "Merops" system because it has proven effective in Ukraine, where multiple hostile drones have been shot down using it.

Brigadier General Zacharias Hernandez stated that "drones are evolving rapidly, and every new model requires a different response, which necessitates the development of solutions in just a few weeks."

Meanwhile, Russia continues to produce offensive drones equipped with cameras, jet engines, and jamming-resistant antennas, with President Vladimir Putin acknowledging that the Russian military had to adapt quickly after its initial failures in Ukraine, asserting that the country is now able to develop new technology "within days."

NATO officials pointed out that Ukraine, Russia, and NATO are in a state of technological competition.

Brigadier General Hernandez stated: "We see what Russia is doing in Ukraine, and we must be prepared for that."