US Deploys Ukrainian Interceptor Drones to Counter Iranian Shahed Attacks

The United States has deployed Ukrainian-developed Merops interceptor drones to the Middle East to counter Iranian Shahed-136 attack drones, which have targeted US allies and infrastructure. These AI-enabled interceptors, costing less than traditional missile defenses, were sent shortly after US-Israeli operations against Iran began. Ukraine's experience combating Shahed drones in its conflict with Russia informs this strategy, despite former US President Donald Trump's dismissal of Kyiv's assistance in drone defense.