Wrap Technologies unveiled what it said is the first known U.S. commercially available non-lethal drone first responder interdiction system, or Drone First Responder-X (DFR-X), a purpose-built payload that is designed to transform standard drones from passive observers into active, non-lethal public-safety tools.

Wrap plans to begin taking pre-orders for the MERLIN-Interdictor on Nov. 17.

The new payload system integrates with third-party drone platforms with the aim of supporting local and federal law enforcement and critical public safety missions in schools, communities, and public spaces.

Wrap said its Merlin-Interdictor is an important upgrade from current observation-only DFR platforms that only offer situational awareness by passively observing threats.

The Wrap DFR-X system is intended to extend the Drone as a First Responder concept by adding a controlled, non-lethal physical intervention capability. It is based on Wrap’s BolaWrap technology and developed so that the drones can not only observe and communicate, but also 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.

"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," said Michael Brown, vice president of product at Wrap. "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."

Wrap's launch of the Merlin-Interdictor marks the company's first UAS product solution for law enforcement, defense, and critical international markets.

"This launch marks a significant milestone for Wrap and introduces our first commercial product in the company's newly defined DFR-X space," said Braden Frame, chief commercial officer at Wrap. "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."

Wrap's goal is to deliver agencies a reliable and responsible aerial interdiction tool that embodies the same safety and innovation principles that define our proven, non-lethal BolaWrap platform.

The Merlin-Interdictor product initiative aligns with Wrap's broader strategy to extend its tested non-lethal tether and cassette systems into new mission areas, including CUAS aerial defense and UAS public safety operations. With its Virginia facility serving as the main hub for production and integration, we believe Wrap is well-positioned to move Project Merlin to production and complete a commercial rollout of advanced non-lethal systems across various markets.

“Public safety demands tools that reduce harm while enabling lawful, effective response,” said Jared Novick, president of Wrap. “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.”

Training & Policy Support

Wrap anticipates offering agencies onboarding packages that include training, policy support materials, and operational integration services. Interested agencies and technology partners can sign up today for updates and priority access at Wrap’s website.  Preorders begin Nov. 17.