US Navy fires Iranian-style kamikaze drone from 3,100-ton warship for the first time

The US Navy achieved a significant milestone on December 16 by successfully launching a Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drone—a one-way, kamikaze-style attack drone—from the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara in the Arabian Gulf. This marks the first time such a drone has been launched from a naval vessel at sea, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to rapidly fielding affordable, effective unmanned combat capabilities. The LUCAS drone, part of Task Force Scorpion Strike, is designed for flexibility, capable of being launched from ships, ground catapults, and mobile platforms, enabling quick deployment without extensive infrastructure. Vice Adm. Curt Renshaw highlighted the launch as a demonstration of innovation and collaboration that will enhance regional maritime security and deterrence. This development aligns with the broader US military focus on unmanned and autonomous systems in the Middle East, where such technologies support surveillance, quick-strike options, and force protection. The deployment of the