US deploys low-cost drone developed from captured Iranian Shahed

The United States has initiated a new phase in drone warfare by deploying a fleet of low-cost attack drones called LUCAS, modeled on Iran’s Shahed-136 loitering munition. Announced in early December by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) with the formation of Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS), these single-use drones are designed for autonomous flight and mass deployment at a fraction of the cost of advanced platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper. Priced around $35,000 each, LUCAS drones enable the U.S. military to sustain operations in contested environments such as the Middle East, where Iran and its proxies have frequently used Shahed drones against American forces and allies. The system offers extensive range and versatile launch options, reflecting a strategic shift toward attritable, high-volume drone warfare that mirrors tactics previously employed by Iran and Russia. This development marks a notable reversal in the history of military technology transfer between the U.S. and Iran. While Iran has