US Deploys LUCAS Shahed-Style Drone in First Combat Strike on Iran

The United States has utilized LUCAS strike drones in combat for the first time, according to an acknowledgment from US Central Command on February 28.

These drones, which are modeled after the Iranian Shahed-136, were launched from ground positions by Task Force Scorpion Strike.

This task force was established in December with the specific goal to “flip the script on Iran,” as stated by a US official. The deployment of the LUCAS drones represents a notable shift, where the US has adopted and implemented drone strategies previously used by Iran.

These strikes took place as part of Operation Epic Fury, a joint military action between the US and Israel targeting various locations across Iran.

The LUCAS drones are intended to serve as a much more affordable strike option compared to traditional missiles. Missiles are not only more expensive but also require more time and resources to manufacture.

Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, explained that “Costing approximately $35,000 per platform, LUCAS is a low-cost, scalable system that provides cutting-edge capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional long-range US systems that can deliver similar effects.”

He noted that the system has a long operational range and can function beyond the line of sight, offering a major advantage across the CENTCOM area of operations.

CENTCOM stated in a press release that the LUCAS drones have an extensive range and are built to function autonomously. They can be deployed using various methods, such as catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, and mobile systems on the ground or on vehicles.

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The core design of the LUCAS drone was developed through the reverse-engineering of an Iranian Shahed drone. A US official confirmed that the military obtained a Shahed and worked with several private companies to recreate and innovate upon the design.

Earlier, during the “Absolute Resolve” operation on January 3, US forces employed LUCAS one-way attack drones for the first time on a large scale in Caracas. Residents recorded videos where the distinctive engine sound of these loitering munitions, which many described as “Shahed-like,” was heard moments before impact.

Analysts noted that these systems functioned as expendable weapons, marking a significant shift from the traditional use of reusable platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper.

While the operation involved a wide range of air assets, including fighter jets and bombers, the emergence of this audio confirmed that the US military had integrated low-cost suicide drones into its modern strike packages to reduce risks to aircrews.