US Deploys Iran-Inspired Drone in Middle East

An Arizona-based company has reverse-engineered Iran’s Shahed drones, and the resulting system is now being used by U.S. forces in the current conflict. This marks the first combat deployment of a new, inexpensive attack drone by the U.S. military.

LUCAS: An ‘Indispensable’ Asset

U.S. Central Command chief, Admiral Brad Cooper, has described the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System – known as LUCAS – as “indispensable” to U.S. forces operating in the Middle East. The drone was first deployed in early December as part of a new drone-focused task force called Scorpion Strike.

Learning from Ukraine and Russia

Western militaries, including the U.S., have been closely observing the use of Shahed drones by both Ukrainian and Russian forces in Eastern Europe. Ukraine has even dispatched experts to the Middle East to assist the U.S. and its allies in countering Shahed drones, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stating that these efforts are already yielding positive results.

Challenges of Countering Drone Swarms

Traditional air defense systems, designed to intercept high-speed missiles costing millions of dollars, struggle to effectively neutralize large swarms of low-cost, expendable drones. Russia has frequently employed Iranian-designed Shahed drones, and footage of these triangle-shaped weapons targeting Ukrainian infrastructure has become widespread.

Cost-Effectiveness and Capabilities

LUCAS costs approximately $35,000, a significantly lower price point compared to precision missiles like the Tomahawk cruise missile, which can exceed $2 million each. The drone carries up to 18 kilograms of explosives, detonating upon impact with its target.

Target Selection

While LUCAS delivers a less powerful impact than traditional missiles, it is particularly effective against targets such as power grids and government buildings. More heavily defended military targets would still require the use of more sophisticated and costly weaponry.

Reverse Engineering and Production

The physical design of LUCAS closely resembles the various versions of the Shahed drone produced by Iran, with its wingspan specifically matching that of the Shahed-136. According to U.K.-based drone expert Steve Wright, “There are plenty of differences though, but as so often happens in drones, they are hidden under the skin.”

Manufacturing Approach

Wright explained that LUCAS is manufactured using mass production techniques similar to those employed in the automotive and manned aircraft industries. This approach, combined with integration into the U.S. military’s existing systems, sets it apart from Iran’s drone production methods. Iran has demonstrated an ability to acquire and integrate technologies from various sources due to its isolated position.

Initial Successes

Emil Michael, the Pentagon’s top official for defense research and engineering, stated in March that LUCAS had “worked very well so far” and “proven out to be a useful tool in the arsenal.” The Pentagon referred further inquiries to CENTCOM, which declined to provide additional comments.