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

A Florida-based startup, Powerus, is manufacturing inexpensive 'Guardian' drone interceptors at a facility in the UAE to counter Iranian drones. Priced at $5,000 each, the interceptor boasts a burst speed of 340 kph, a 15 km range, and 28 minutes of endurance. The company recently secured a $22.3 million contract to safeguard Middle Eastern oil and gas infrastructure, aiming to ramp up production to 15,000 units per month by 2027.

Powerus, a small start-up based in West Palm Beach, Florida, is developing inexpensive 'Guardian' drone interceptors at a facility in the United Arab Emirates, according to a New York Times report published on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The interceptor, which sells for around $5,000, is designed to counter the threat posed by Iranian drones. Powerus has been building the interceptors at a UAE facility since July, producing 3-D printed components and assembling them on site. The company currently produces 3,000 interceptors per month and aims to increase production to 15,000 per month by 2027. The Guardian has a top burst speed of 340 kph, a cruise speed of 160 kph, a range of 15 kilometers, and 28 minutes of operational endurance, with 'hundreds' of confirmed interceptions. Powerus signed a $22.3 million contract on Thursday, August 21, to protect Middle Eastern oil and gas infrastructure. The company faces price competition from a California-based developer listing a basic model for about $5,000. The UAE has sought opportunities for domestic development and assembly of interceptors after facing thousands of Iranian drones and ballistic missiles. IISS research associate Albert Vidal noted the UAE's goal is to establish 'sovereign capability' by buying from multiple sources and producing domestically. The NYT noted the Guardian cannot counter ballistic missiles or larger threats, which require more expensive options like Lockheed Martin's PAC-3.