Wrap Enters U.S. Army xTechCounter Strike C-UAS Competition with Project MERLIN Innovation

Core Insights - Wrap Technologies, Inc. is advancing its defense capabilities with the submission of its C-UAS technology, Project Merlin-1KC, for the U.S. Army's xTechCounter Strike competition, aiming to enhance military and allied defense against drone threats [2][3][4] Group 1: Project Merlin-1KC Overview - The Merlin platform and Wide Area Kinetic Anti-Drone Cassette are designed to meet or exceed U.S. Army requirements, providing scalable and low-cost defense against unmanned aerial threats [1] - Project Merlin-1KC features a modular, platform-agnostic solution that physically disables hostile Group 1 drones using lightweight, tethered projectiles [4] - The system is engineered for rapid integration across various platforms, including unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, with a production capacity of 18,000–20,000 units and a surge potential of 75,000 units monthly [5][10] Group 2: Competitive Advantage and Market Position - The anticipated retail cost of less than $60 per shot for the Merlin system aims to reverse the cost imbalance in drone warfare, enhancing operational effectiveness with a projected multi-kill capability of 6:1 or greater [10] - Wrap's participation in the xTechCounter Strike competition aligns with its long-term strategy to expand its technology portfolio beyond law enforcement into defense markets [6][8] - The company emphasizes its 85% U.S.-based supply chain, with a roadmap to achieve 100% Made-In-USA production, reinforcing its commitment to domestic manufacturing [5][10] Group 3: Strategic Vision and Future Opportunities - The submission to the xTechCounter Strike competition is viewed as a first step in extending Wrap's technology ecosystem into defense, aiming to provide reliable counter-UAS solutions for the Army [9] - The company believes that its innovative cassette-based technology positions it uniquely to deliver mission-ready solutions in contested environments [8] - Wrap's President highlighted the potential for sustainable and scalable solutions against the growing threat of unmanned systems, which could create new opportunities in defense [6]