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

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A Florida-based startup, Powerus, has developed inexpensive drone interceptors called 'Guardians' that could counter Iranian drones.
  • These 3D-printed interceptors cost around $5,000 each and are being manufactured in the UAE.
  • Powerus has secured a $22.3 million contract to protect Middle Eastern oil and gas infrastructure.

Inexpensive drone interceptors developed by a small startup in West Palm Beach, Florida, could offer a new defense against the growing threat of Iranian drones, according to a report by The New York Times. Powerus, the company behind the innovation, has been producing its 'Guardian' interceptors at a facility in the United Arab Emirates since July.

This commercial contract reflects the direction we believe the counter-drone market is heading: toward integrated, networked protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure.

— Brett VelicovichPowerus co-founder and COO Brett Velicovich commented on the company's recent contract to protect Middle Eastern energy infrastructure.

The 'Guardian' interceptors are 3D-printed and assembled, with a modular design that allows for easy snapping together of readily available components. This design contributes to their low cost, with each unit selling for approximately $5,000. Powerus reports producing 3,000 interceptors per month and aims to increase this to 15,000 by 2027. The design is reportedly based on a Ukrainian drone interceptor that showed effectiveness against Russian suicide drones.

According to the company's website, the Guardian boasts a top "burst" speed of 340 kph, a cruise speed of 160 kph, a range of 15 kilometers, and an operational endurance of 28 minutes. The interceptors have reportedly achieved "hundreds" of confirmed interceptions. While not a solution for larger threats like ballistic missiles, which require more expensive systems, the Guardian offers a promising, cost-effective option for countering drone attacks.

We are starting with the capabilities our customer needs today while providing an architecture that can expand as the threat and operational requirements evolve.

— Brett VelicovichVelicovich explained the company's strategy for developing its counter-drone technology.

Powerus has already secured a significant commercial contract, signing a $22.3 million deal to protect Middle Eastern oil and gas infrastructure. Company co-founder and COO Brett Velicovich stated that this contract reflects the market's direction toward integrated, networked protection of critical infrastructure. The UAE, having recently faced numerous drone and missile attacks from Iran, is reportedly interested in further developing its own interceptor capabilities, seeking a "sovereign capability" in this domain.

Powerus is bringing US-based engineering, manufacturing and technology to help protect the operations that power that infrastructure.

— Brett VelicovichVelicovich highlighted the company's contribution to protecting critical infrastructure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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