In response to escalating Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace, Poland and Romania are deploying the American-made Merops system, an advanced AI-powered defense technology designed to identify and neutralize hostile drones. This move comes after a series of alarming incidents, including the penetration of Polish airspace by approximately 20 Russian drones in early September, which exposed vulnerabilities in NATO’s eastern flank. The Merops system, compact enough to fit in a midsize pickup truck, operates independently of satellite and electronic communications, making it highly effective in jamming environments. Denmark has also joined the initiative, signaling a broader effort to fortify NATO’s defenses against Russian aggression. The system’s deployment aims to create a robust deterrent along the alliance’s eastern border, stretching from Norway to Turkey. NATO officials emphasize that Merops offers cost-effective solutions compared to traditional methods, such as deploying multimillion-dollar fighter jets to counter low-cost drones. The technology has already proven effective in Ukraine, where it has been used to protect critical infrastructure and military operations. As drone warfare evolves rapidly, NATO is investing in a range of counter-drone technologies, including anti-drone missiles and collaborative EU efforts to establish a ‘drone wall’ along its eastern border. The alliance is also advocating for an Eastern Flank Deterrence Line, a layered defense network integrating advanced sensors and command systems. Despite Russia’s numerical advantage in deployable forces, NATO is leveraging its technological edge to offset this disparity. The Merops system represents the first phase of a multi-year defense strategy, with further developments expected in the coming years.
As Russian drone incursions rattle Europe, Poland and Romania deploy a new defensive system
