US tests LUCAS kamikaze drone similar to Iran's Shahed-136
US military awaits its own drones (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The US has tested the LUCAS strike drone, described as an analogue to Iran's Shahed-136 kamikaze UAVs. The drone was developed by American company SpektreWorks, Defence Blog reports.
The new drone was personally inspected by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The LUCAS UAV is positioned as a simple system that can be launched from a vehicle or with the help of a rocket booster. No specialized training is required.
"The drone's open architecture allows it to integrate a variety of payloads, offering a modular approach to reconnaissance, strike, and communications support missions," the publication notes.
In addition to its kamikaze function, LUCAS can carry out reconnaissance tasks and serve as a communications relay. According to the developer, the drone is a flexible platform, although primarily designed for operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The manufacturer claims the drone has completed testing and is ready for mass production. The LUCAS platform is expected to be deployed first by the United States and later by US allies.
Defense analysts suggest that LUCAS could provide US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) with a valuable tool for distributed maritime operations and countering large-scale drone attacks.
Notably, news of this American equivalent to the Shahed emerged shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed interest in Ukrainian combat drones for the US military. Trump stated that the United States is open to purchasing drones from Ukraine.
It is also notable that Secretary Hegseth attended the LUCAS presentation. He has been widely viewed as the main figure behind the temporary suspension of US aid to Ukraine in early July.
Additionally, US Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg has praised Ukrainian drones and even recommended that the American defense industry take cues from Ukraine's technological approach.
