US copies Iran's famous Shahed drone? $35,000 suicide drone spotted in war for first time

The US has been seen using a new drone that looks similar to Iran’s famous Shahed drones for the first time in war. This new drone is called LUCAS, which stands for Low-cost, Uncrewed Combat Attack System. LUCAS was caught on camera during an attack in Iraq by an Iranian-backed militia. In the video, the drone dives straight into a shelter and blasts it into a huge fireball. The drone was designed by a US company called SpektreWorks for the American military.

One major reason this drone is important is its low cost — it costs only $35,000. This makes it much cheaper compared to traditional missiles used in war, as stated by Daily Mail. The drone has already been used in early attacks during a military operation called Operation Epic Fury. Experts say this is a rare moment because the US is openly copying enemy technology. Usually, other countries copy US weapons, but here the situation is reversed.

Key differences between LUCAS and Iran’s shahed drone

Iran’s Shahed drone must be programmed before launch and cannot change direction later. In contrast, LUCAS can be controlled even after takeoff using satellites. This allows the pilot to change the drone’s path while it is flying. LUCAS has a front camera that shows live visuals to the operator. Because of this, operators can search for better targets in real time.


The drone can even attack moving targets like tanks. If a target moves, the operator can simply redirect the drone toward it. LUCAS can also communicate with other drones nearby. This allows multiple drones to work together in a swarm attack. This swarm ability makes the system much more powerful in battle, as noted by Daily Mail.

Size, speed and technical details

LUCAS is about 10 feet long. It has a wingspan of around 8 feet. It is slightly smaller than Iran’s Shahed-136 drone. Its top speed is about 115 miles per hour. Its range is around 500 miles. In comparison, the Shahed drone can go faster (125 mph) and much farther (1,500 miles), as per Daily Mail. LUCAS weighs around 180 pounds when fully loaded. It is lighter and quieter than the Iranian version.

Weapons and special features

The drone carries a 40-pound warhead for explosive attacks, as stated by Daily Mail. This warhead is designed to destroy whatever the drone hits. The payload can also be changed depending on the mission. It can carry surveillance sensors to spy on enemies. It can also carry electronic warfare tools to disrupt enemy systems. The front camera can rotate 360 degrees for full visibility.

US military reaction and strategy

Brad Cooper confirmed the drone is already being used effectively. He said US forces have launched many such drones with strong impact. He openly admitted that the design was originally Iranian. He said the US captured the drone, studied it, and rebuilt it in America. He even joked that they “put a Made in America label on it” and are now using it.

Why this drone matters in war

Earlier in the conflict, Iranian drones forced enemies to use expensive missile defenses, as per Daily Mail. LUCAS gives the US a cheaper option to respond. It is not meant to replace missiles completely. Instead, it works alongside missiles as a support weapon. It is ideal for hitting smaller or less important targets. These include barracks, ammo storage, and vehicle workshops. Destroying these targets may not end a war instantly. But it creates problems and slows down enemy operations. Experts describe this effect as adding “friction” to the enemy’s battle plans.

FAQs

Q1. What is the LUCAS drone used by the US?

LUCAS is a low-cost attack drone made by SpektreWorks that can hit targets and also be controlled after launch.

Q2. How is LUCAS different from Iran’s Shahed drone?

LUCAS can change direction mid-air and hit moving targets, unlike the Shahed-136 drone which follows a fixed path.