Merops

Merops is a counter-UAS system using the AS-3 Surveyor interceptor, identified in the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence’s acquisition announcement; Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll disclosed the purchase of approximately 13,000 interceptors within about eight days after the Iran conflict began, at approximately $15,000 apiece, The War Zone reported.

Overview

Merops uses the AS-3/AS3 Surveyor interceptor, identified in the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence’s April 2026 announcement. NATO describes a system that receives tracks from different radars and autonomously seeks targets using radio-frequency, radar guidance or thermal signatures. Project Eagle said its AI navigation could operate when satellite and electronic communications were jammed, Stars and Stripes reported. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll disclosed a purchase of approximately 13,000 Merops within about eight days, at approximately $15,000 apiece, according to Defense News. JIATF-401 separately announced a three-year contract with a $500 million ceiling covering Merops, Bumblebee and Hornet. Romania’s Ministry of National Defence announced operational integration on 24 June 2026, while LRT described Lithuania’s acquisition as a pilot package of 48 unarmed interceptors. The US Army identified Merops as a candidate for transition to a Program of Record.

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