AeroMorning — March 2, 2026

Introduction

Since the early 2020s, kamikaze drones — also known as loitering munitions — have profoundly transformed modern conflicts. One of the most emblematic examples is the Iranian drone Shahed-136, used notably by Russia in Ukraine.

Faced with the effectiveness of this simple and low-cost system, the United States has developed its own equivalent: the Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS), often considered an American version of the Shahed.

Origin and development

The LUCAS (Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System) drone is developed by the American company SpektreWorks. It was officially presented in 2025 during a demonstration at the Pentagon dedicated to new autonomous military systems.

According to several analyses, the system was reverse-engineered, meaning it was designed after studying and dismantling the Iranian Shahed-136 drone.

This approach marks an important shift in American doctrine: instead of focusing solely on expensive and highly sophisticated systems, the Pentagon is now seeking to produce simple and inexpensive drones in large quantities, capable of saturating enemy defenses.

A low-cost kamikaze drone

LUCAS belongs to the category of suicide drones: it is designed to crash into its target with an explosive payload.

Main characteristics

·        Type: kamikaze drone / loitering munition

·        Length: approximately 3 meters

·        Wingspan: approximately 2.4 meters

·        Explosive payload: approximately 18 kg (40 pounds)

·        Range: up to approximately 800 km

·        Engine: piston engine with rear propeller

·        Unit cost: approximately $35,000

This cost is very low compared with cruise missiles, which can exceed $1 million.

A copy of the Iranian Shahed?

LUCAS is often described as a clone of the Shahed-136 because of strong similarities:

·        triangular delta-wing configuration

·        rear pusher propeller

·        expendable drone designed to saturate defenses

·        relatively simple and low-cost manufacturing

Some analysts explicitly describe it as a copy or American equivalent of the Shahed.

However, the American system may also include certain improvements:

·        modular architecture

·        network communication capabilities

·        integration into American command systems

·        ability to be launched from trucks, catapults, or ships

First operational uses

The LUCAS drone has been tested by the U.S. Navy and can be launched from certain military vessels.

According to recent information, it was reportedly used for the first time in combat during U.S. military operations against Iranian infrastructure, marking the drone’s official entry into real operational use.

This deployment confirms the American strategy known as “affordable mass”, which consists of using a large number of low-cost systems rather than a small number of very expensive weapons.

A new logic of warfare

The development of LUCAS illustrates a major shift in modern conflicts:

• multiplication of low-cost drones
• saturation of air defenses
• growing importance of mass production

The success of Iranian drones across several theaters of operation has therefore influenced Western military doctrines, pushing the United States to adopt similar concepts.

Conclusion

The LUCAS drone represents a significant evolution in American military strategy. Inspired by the Iranian Shahed-136, it shows that even major military powers are now adopting systems that are simple, inexpensive, and mass-produced.

In modern warfare, technological superiority alone is no longer enough: quantity and cost are also becoming decisive factors.