U.S. Presents Low-Cost LUCAS Strike Drone Inspired by Shahed

The United States has introduced a low-cost loitering munition inspired by the Iranian Shahed drone.

As reported by Defence Blog, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reviewed the LUCAS (Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System) drone during a demonstration of multi-domain autonomous systems held on the Pentagon lawn.

Developed by the Arizona-based company SpektreWorks, LUCAS is designed as an affordable and flexible platform to support operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

SpektreWorks positions LUCAS as a reliable and cost-effective unmanned system capable of operating in harsh conditions with minimal logistical requirements.

Its open architecture allows for the integration of various payloads, enabling it to perform reconnaissance, strike, and communication missions.

The drone features a reusable configuration and can be launched either via catapult or with the help of a rocket booster.

In addition, LUCAS will serve as a relay node in a multi-domain mesh network of unmanned systems, aimed at strengthening secure communications between U.S. and allied forces, particularly in scenarios where traditional networks may be vulnerable.

Visually, the drone resembles the Iran-Russia Shahed (Geran-2) drone, which features a triangular delta wing design and is powered by a piston engine.

Recently, the Pentagon announced major reforms focused on accelerating the widespread adoption of small drones across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Specifically, certain types of small unmanned aerial vehicles will now be classified as “expendables” – similar to hand grenades or other types of munitions – rather than as full-fledged aircraft.

Lower-level commanders have also been granted the authority to independently procure small drones.