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Wrap Technologies, Inc., a company specializing in public safety and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) solutions, has unveiled the MERLIN-Interdictor, which it states is the first known U.S. commercially available non-lethal drone first responder interdiction system, or Drone First Responder – X (DFR-X™).
The MERLIN-Interdictor is a purpose-built payload designed to transform standard drones from passive observers into active, non-lethal public-safety tools, intended for use by local and federal law enforcement, and for critical public safety missions in schools, communities, and public spaces.
The DFR-X system is designed to extend the “Drone as a First Responder” concept by adding a controlled, non-lethal physical intervention capability based on Wrap’s BolaWrap tether technology. This development aims to allow drones to not only observe and communicate, but also to deter, delay, and disrupt threatening behavior before officers arrive. The system features a six-cassette payload and an operator-controlled remote deployment system that utilizes a standard UART interface, and it integrates with third-party drone platforms.
Michael Brown, Vice President of Product at Wrap, said, “The Wrap team has completed its internal Phase II testing and has demonstrated successful validation of MERLIN’s electrical remote-deployment systems and believes it is now ready to move the MERLIN from R&D project to production. Our team has worked tirelessly to engineer a modular, drone-agnostic solution that leverages Wrap’s proven non-lethal BolaWrap tether technology. With the MERLIN-Interdictor, we believe we are now positioned to introduce a functional interceptor and create a DFR-X market, allowing officers not just to watch, but to interdict and wrap!”
This launch is Wrap’s first UAS product solution for law enforcement, defense, and critical international markets.
Braden Frame, Chief Commercial Officer at Wrap, stated, “This launch marks a significant milestone for Wrap and introduces our first commercial product in the Company’s newly defined DFR-X space. The MERLIN-Interdictor is intended to evolve public safety from simply observing real-time threats to providing immediate opportunities to interdict and potentially save lives. We also believe that the MERLIN-Interdictor could be a powerful tool to save lives in remote-controlled UAS school safety programs, and we believe that MERLIN operations could be critical life-saving tools in dynamic urban SWAT operations.”
Key Benefits:
Wrap’s goal for the product is to deliver agencies a reliable and responsible aerial interdiction tool that embodies the safety and innovation principles of their BolaWrap platform. The MERLIN-Interdictor product initiative aligns with the company’s strategy to extend its non-lethal tether and cassette systems into new mission areas, including CUAS aerial defense and UAS public safety operations. Production and integration of the system are planned to take place at Wrap’s Virginia facility.
Jared Novick, President of Wrap, added, “Public safety demands tools that reduce harm while enabling lawful, effective response. DFR-X is built around that principle — it’s meant to be used under clear operational policies, with trained personnel and strict safety protocols. Our goal is giving agencies another responsible option that improves outcomes for officers and communities.”
Pre-orders for the DFR-X payload are scheduled to begin on November 17, 2025. Wrap anticipates offering agencies onboarding packages that include training, policy support materials, and operational integration services.
