UAE Begins Local Production of Low-Cost Interceptors to Counter Iranian Shahed Drones

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East and ongoing Iranian drone attacks, the United Arab Emirates has started producing American-designed interceptor drones on its soil to combat the threat posed by Iran's inexpensive and lethal Shahed drones. The UAE-based factory, operated by the US company Powervos, began operations in July and currently produces about 30 interceptors daily, with plans to increase output to 100 per day. Each interceptor costs approximately $5,000, significantly cheaper than traditional missile defense systems, enabling the UAE to counter large waves of cheap drones without depleting expensive missile stockpiles.

The interceptor, called Guardian, is a small, lightweight missile capable of speeds up to 340 km/h, cruising at 160 km/h, with a maximum range of 15 kilometers and operational altitude up to 5,000 meters. Weighing 2.65 kilograms including its battery, it is designed for rapid deployment and can be guided via radar and a camera for precise targeting. Advanced versions under development aim to include semi-autonomous and "fire-and-forget" capabilities.

By manufacturing these interceptors locally, the UAE seeks to reduce supply chain delays and increase flexibility, avoiding reliance on shipments from the United States. This initiative reflects a broader shift in air defense strategy, where the proliferation of cheap drones forces countries to develop affordable, mass-producible countermeasures to maintain effective defense.

The move underscores the evolving nature of aerial threats and defense economics, highlighting that future conflicts may hinge not only on the power of weapons but also on the ability to produce them in large quantities at low cost.