Mercedes-Benz partnering with German firm to develop a mobile system to intercept drones — report

Mercedes-Benz MBGn.DE is close to agreeing a partnership with Munich-based startup Tytan Technologies to jointly develop a mobile system to intercept drones that threaten airports or other critical infrastructure, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

• German carmaker Mercedes-Benz is due to sign a memorandum of understanding with Tytan on Wednesday, the FT cited people familiar with the situation as saying

• Mercedes will contribute its Sprinter van and a military version of the G-Class SUV for a mobile air-defence system to target small first-person-view drones, according to the report

• The FT said Tytan will supply interceptor drones designed to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles that are seen as a threat

• Mercedes-Benz declined to comment, while Tytan did not immediately respond to a request for comment

-Reporting by Ludwig Burger, Maria Rugamer and Rachel More; editing by Thomas Seythal/Reuters