U.S. Central Command officials have announced the operational deployment of the military’s new LUCAS drone during recent airstrikes against Iran. These strikes were part of Operation Epic Fury, which aimed at key targets connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including command centers, air defense systems, and missile launch sites.
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, emphasized the importance of the mission, stating, “The president ordered bold action, and our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call.” The LUCAS drone, developed by Arizona-based SpektreWorks, represents a significant advancement in U.S. military capabilities, being a one-way attack drone that was reverse-engineered from Iran’s Shahed-136.
This innovative platform is designed to be launched via various methods including catapults and mobile ground systems. It offers an engagement range of approximately 500 miles and a payload capacity of 40 pounds, which is about twice as powerful as a standard Hellfire missile. The LUCAS drone is also notably lighter than its Iranian counterpart with a maximum takeoff weight of 180 pounds, making it a more cost-efficient option at around $35,000 per unit.
The LUCAS drone was first deployed from a ship in December 2025 during a successful exercise conducted by personnel aboard the USS Santa Barbara in the Arabian Gulf. This marked a pivotal moment for the Navy’s newly formed Task Force Scorpion Strike, a pioneering unit focused on one-way attack drone operations led by U.S. Special Operations Command-Central.
Adm. Cooper highlighted the task force’s role in innovative military strategies, stating, “This new task force sets the conditions for using innovation as a deterrent.” The recent actions and developments align with a strategic directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aimed at enhancing the U.S. military’s drone capabilities and effectively integrating these systems into relevant combat training.
The operations conducted by the U.S. Navy in the vast area of Central Command encompass 2.5 million square miles, covering critical regions such as the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. As the military explores new technologies, the establishment of such specialized units signifies a proactive approach to adapting to modern warfare challenges, enhancing the U.S. military’s deterrent capabilities in the region.