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

A Florida-based startup, Powerus, has developed inexpensive "Guardian" drone interceptors, priced at approximately $5,000, to counter Iranian drone threats. The company, which began producing these interceptors in a United Arab Emirates facility in July, aims to increase monthly production from 3,000 to 15,000 by 2027. The Guardian, based on a Ukrainian design, boasts a top speed of 340 kph and a 15-kilometer range. While not a comprehensive solution for larger threats, Powerus recently secured a $22.3 million contract to protect Middle Eastern oil and gas infrastructure. Company co-founder Brett Velicovich stated, "This commercial contract reflects the direction we believe the counter-drone market is heading: toward integrated, networked protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure." The UAE is also pursuing local production to establish "sovereign capability" in response to recent drone and missile attacks from Iran.