Cheap 'Guardian' interceptors developed by Florida start-up could turn tables on Iranian drones

A Florida-based start-up, Powerus, has developed affordable drone interceptors that could potentially counter the threat of Iranian drones, as reported by The New York Times. The Guardian interceptor, which costs around $5,000, is produced in an UAE facility where 3-D printed components are assembled into the final product. The company claims to produce 3,000 interceptors monthly and aims to increase this number to 15,000 by 2027.

Powerus based the design on a Ukrainian interceptor, which showed promise against Russian suicide drones. The Guardian interceptor boasts a top burst speed of 340 kph, a cruise speed of 160 kph, a range of 15 kilometers, and a 28-minute operational endurance. However, it is not a complete solution to the interceptor shortage the US military is facing, as it cannot counter ballistic missiles and larger threats better suited for more expensive options like Lockheed Martin's PAC-3.

Powerus signed a $22.3 million contract to protect Middle Eastern oil and gas infrastructure, highlighting the potential of the Guardian interceptor in the commercial market. The UAE is also interested in further involvement, with a regional researcher stating that the primary goal of constructing interceptors in the UAE is to establish sovereign capability.