27 October 2025
Wrap Technologies, Inc., a global leader in innovative public safety and unmanned aerial systems solutions, today unveiled 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. 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 plans to begin taking pre-orders for the MERLIN-Interdictor on November 17, 2025.
We believe the 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 — based on Wrap’s BolaWrap technology — 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.”
Key Benefits and Comparison
Availability and Pre-Orders
Pre-orders for the DFR-X payload are expected to open November 17, 2025. 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 www.wrap.com/dfrx.
About Wrap Technologies, Inc.
Wrap Technologies, Inc., a global leader in innovative public safety technologies and non-lethal tools, delivering cutting-edge technology with exceptional people to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations.
Wrap's complete public safety portfolio includes the non-lethal BolaWrap 150 device, WrapReality immersive training platform, WrapVision body-worn camera system, WrapTactics training programs, and next-generation CUAS solutions like PAN-DA and the 1KC Kinetic Anti-Drone Cassette, all of which supports the Company's mission to provide safer, scalable, and cost-effective technologies for public safety, defense, and critical infrastructure markets. Wrap’s BolaWrap 150 solution leads in pre-escalation intended to provide law enforcement with a safer choice for nearly every phase of a critical incident. This innovative, patented device deploys a multi-sensory, cognitive disruption that leverages sight, sound and sensation to expand the pre-escalation period and gives officers the advantage and critical time to manage non-compliant subjects before resorting to higher-force options. The BolaWrap 150 is not pain-based compliance. It does not shoot, strike, shock, or incapacitate, instead, it helps officers strategically operate pre-escalation on the force continuum, reducing the risk of injury to both officers and subjects. Used by over 1,000 agencies across the U.S. and in 60 countries, BolaWrap is backed by training certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), reinforcing Wrap’s commitment to public safety through cutting-edge technology and expert training.
Wrap Reality VR is a fully immersive training simulator to enhance decision-making under pressure. As a comprehensive public safety training platform, it provides first responders with realistic, interactive scenarios that reflect the evolving challenges of modern law enforcement. By offering a growing library of real-world situations, Wrap Reality™ is intended to equip officers with the skills and confidence to navigate high-stakes encounters effectively, which we believe leads to safer outcomes for both responders and the communities they serve.
WrapVision is an all-new body-worn camera and evidence management system built for efficiency. Designed for efficiency, security, and transparency to meet the rigorous demands of modern law enforcement, WrapVision captures, stores, and helps manage digital evidence, ensuring operational security, regulatory compliance, and enhanced video picture quality and field of view. The WrapVision camera, powered by IONODES, boasts streamlined cloud integration and final North American assembly, with a critical made-in-America roadmap projected for early 2026. This track helps ensure data integrity and helps eliminate critical concerns over unauthorized access or foreign surveillance risks.
