The US is using repurposed Iranian drone technology to attack Iran
12 hours ago
- #Drone Warfare
- #US-Iran Relations
- #Military Technology
- The US introduced the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (Lucas), a one-way attack drone modeled on Iran's Shahed drones.
- Iran's Shahed drones, inspired by Israeli technology, have become a primary weapon, used by Iran's proxies and Russia in Ukraine.
- The US reverse-engineered captured Shahed drones to create Lucas drones, which were first used in combat in February 2026.
- Lucas drones are part of the US's 'affordable mass' strategy, costing $35,000 each, with plans to stock 340,000 by 2028.
- Shahed-136 drones are long-range, one-way attack drones with a 40-50kg warhead, costing over $20,000 each.
- Lucas drones have a nose-mounted camera and satellite connectivity, allowing for dynamic re-tasking and AI-powered swarm tactics.
- Lucas drones can saturate Iran's radar systems, creating corridors for more advanced US and Israeli weapons to attack protected targets.