Pentagon Wants Swarms of $35K LUCAS Suicide Drones After Iran Operation

The US Department of Defense is moving toward large-scale production of low-cost suicide drones modeled on Iran’s Shahed, following their recent combat use in the Middle East, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing Pentagon officials on March 17.

The drone, known as LUCAS (Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System), has performed well in operational use and is now undergoing further refinement ahead of potential mass production, officials said.

The first LUCAS systems were deployed to the Middle East in December 2025, marking the US military’s adoption of a cost-effective loitering munition concept similar to systems widely used in modern conflicts.

According to available information, the manufacturer SpektreWorks has already produced dozens of the drones. However, US officials have not disclosed how many have been used in combat.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the first operational use of LUCAS drones on February 28, during a military operation involving Iran, though details about the targets remain undisclosed.

To support their deployment, the US military formed a dedicated unit known as Scorpion Strike, focused on operating these systems in combat environments.

LUCAS drones are equipped with Starlink satellite communication systems, allowing operators to receive live video feeds and control the drone in real time over long distances.

This capability improves strike accuracy, particularly in contested environments where electronic warfare may disrupt traditional communications. Operators can adjust targeting mid-flight and prioritize higher-value targets.

The drones can be launched in multiple ways, including catapult systems, solid-fuel boosters, and mobile ground platforms, offering flexibility across different operational scenarios.

LUCAS has a length of about 3 meters (9.8 feet) and a wingspan of 2.4 meters (7.9 feet).

With an estimated cost of around $35,000 per unit, the system is significantly cheaper than traditional long-range strike weapons used by the US military.

Analysts say such systems could allow the Pentagon to scale up strike capabilities while reducing reliance on more expensive precision-guided munitions, potentially reshaping how future conflicts are fought.

Earlier, US forces employed one-way attack drones during airstrikes on Caracas as part of Operation “Absolute Resolve,” marking the first confirmed large-scale combat use of suicide-style loitering munitions by the United States.

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