The United States is advancing a new military plan that calls for large-scale production of LUCAS kamikaze drones, recently used in operations against Iran.
According to information reported by The Wall Street Journal, Pentagon officials say the equipment performed satisfactorily in the field and is undergoing final adjustments before mass production.
Developed as a low-cost alternative and inspired by Iranian models, LUCAS began to be deployed by the U.S. in the Middle East late last year. Although manufacturer SpektreWorks has already produced dozens of units, the exact number of drones used in combat has not been disclosed. The first confirmed official use took place on February 28, during an operation conducted by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
To operate the new systems, the U.S. military created a specialized unit called Scorpion Strike. The drones stand out for their long range and integration with satellite communication technology, using Starlink antennas that enable real-time image transmission and remote control throughout the mission.
Measuring about 3 meters in length with a wingspan of 2.4 meters, the LUCAS can be launched by catapult or from mobile platforms. Its estimated cost of US$35,000 makes it significantly cheaper than traditional long-range weapon systems. The development comes amid rising tensions, following previous U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities linked to the production of this type of equipment.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @Maks_NAFO_FELLA | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
LUCAS, CENTCOM, drone, drones, United States, Iran, LUCAS, military, Scorpion Strike
