Finance
Romania Tests AI-powered Drone Interceptors as Ukraine War Gets Closer
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 24, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 24, 2026
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Romania is rapidly deploying the U.S.-made AI-powered Merops drone interceptor system as drone threats from the war in Ukraine intensify, augmenting its layered air defences and offering cost‑effective, autonomous drone‑on‑drone protection.
Romania Tests AI Drone Interceptors on NATO’s Eastern Flank Amid Ukraine War
Romania Deploys AI-Powered Defence Systems in Response to Regional Drone Threats
By Luiza Ilie
Testing Advanced Drone Interceptors at Capu Midia
CAPU MIDIA, Romania, April 24 (Reuters) - At a Romanian base overlooking the Black Sea, camouflaged figures squinted up into the sky and drones whined far overhead - the final test of a U.S.-made, AI-powered defence system as the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine gets ever closer.
Centre stage were the Merops drone interceptors made by ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s company Project Eagle that will be put into operation in Romania "in a matter of days," Defence Minister Radu Miruta said.
The NATO and European Union state shares a 650-km (400-mile) land border with Ukraine and has seen Russian drones repeatedly breach its airspace as Moscow attacks Ukraine's ports just across the Danube river.
Escalating Drone Threats on NATO's Eastern Flank
'THE THREAT IS REAL'
With drone threats mounting on NATO's eastern flank, states are scrambling to boost their air defences.
NATO's Response and Need for Solutions
"The threat is real," Major General Arnoud Stallmann, assistant chief of staff at NATO's Allied Command Transformation, said on Wednesday at the Capu Midia Air Defence Training Range, 80 km away from the Ukrainian frontline.
"And with the incursions in NATO-allied countries of drones, we needed a solution for that."
Merops: Features and Operational Capabilities
Romania and NATO have spent two weeks trying out interceptor drones, radars, sensors and jamming equipment made by private companies, while putting existing systems through their paces.
Merops, already in use in Ukraine and another of its neighbours, Poland, includes a ground control base, launchers and its Surveyor interceptor drones that can operate autonomously through AI and radar, NATO sources said.
Test Results and Ministerial Feedback
Defence Minister Radu Miruta described the test as partially successful after an interceptor swerved too quickly at one point and missed its target.
He said he was impressed with the thermal imaging, the radar's precision and the way it engaged targets.
The system would be able to counter drone threats along the Danube river, Miruta said. "Merops reduces the number of scenarios we cannot handle."
Romania’s Broader Air Defence Strategy
Romanian air defences currently include F-16 fighter jets, Patriot systems, Lockheed Martin's HIMARS rocket launchers, short-range South Korean surface-to-air Chiron missiles and German anti-aircraft Gepard guns.
Future Collaboration and Production Plans
Romania and Ukraine also plan to jointly produce drones under the European Union's new SAFE rearmament funding mechanism.
(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Romania’s Merops deployment marks a shift toward scalable, AI‑powered drone defence along NATO’s eastern flank.
- •Merops offers a low‑cost, autonomous interceptor—around $15,000 per drone—versus much pricier missile systems.
- •This deployment complements Romania’s existing air‑defence suite (Patriot, HIMARS, Chiron, Gepard) and aligns with broader NATO efforts to bolster regional security.
Frequently Asked Questions about Romania tests AI-powered drone interceptors as Ukraine war gets closer
1What are Merops drone interceptors?
Merops drone interceptors are AI-powered systems developed by Project Eagle to autonomously detect and intercept aerial threats.
2Why is Romania testing AI-powered drone interceptors?
Romania is testing these interceptors to enhance air defense along its border as Russian drone incursions increase due to the Ukraine war.
3Who manufactures the Merops system?
Merops is made by Project Eagle, a company backed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
4How does the Merops system operate?
The system uses AI, radar, and thermal imaging to autonomously detect, track, and intercept drones from a ground control base.
5What other air defense systems does Romania use?
Romania uses F-16 fighter jets, Patriot missile systems, HIMARS launchers, Chiron missiles, and German Gepard anti-aircraft guns.
