US Start-up Making Low-cost Interceptors in UAE To Counter Iran’s Drones: NYT
A U.S. military startup called 'Powerus' is manufacturing low-cost, 3D-printed interceptors in the United Arab Emirates to counter Iranian drones, according to a leading American newspaper.
Priced at roughly $126,500 each—or as low as $5,000 for basic models—these munitions offer a cheaper alternative to million-dollar Patriot missiles for destroying slow-moving drones. The New York Times reported Sunday.
Powerus, which is based in Florida, has been building its drone interceptors at the UAE facility since July, where it produces 3D printed components and assembles them into the finished product. The design, known as the "Guardian," sells for around $5,000.
According to the report, Powerus based the Guardian on a Ukrainian drone interceptor which showed promise against Russian suicide drones. The company's website describes the interceptor as having a top "burst" speed of 340 kph, a 160 kph cruise speed, a range of 15 kilometers, 28 minutes of operational endurance, and "hundreds" of confirmed interceptions.
The NYT noted that the Guardians, originally produced in the United States, are not a complete solution to the interceptor shortage currently facing the US military after its war with Iran. The design cannot counter ballistic missiles and other larger threats, which are better suited to more expensive options, such as Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3.
That said, the design still holds promise, with Powerus signing a $22.3 million contract on Thursday to protect Middle Eastern oil and gas infrastructure.
“This commercial contract reflects the direction we believe the counter-drone market is heading: toward integrated, networked protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure,” said company co-founder and COO Brett Velicovich.
“We are starting with the capabilities our customer needs today while providing an architecture that can expand as the threat and operational requirements evolve," he added.
"Powerus is bringing US-based engineering, manufacturing and technology to help protect the operations that power that infrastructure."
Another spokesperson told the NYT that the company faces price competition, with a California-based drone interceptor developer listing a basic model for about $5,000.
According to the report, the UAE has recently sought out opportunities for the development and assembly of interceptors on its own territory, having faced threats from drone attacks.