US Army: We used drones in the attacks on Iran similar to "Shahed" drones

US Army: We used drones in the attacks on Iran similar to "Shahed" drones

U.S. Military Deploys Low-Cost Kamikaze Drones Modeled After Iranian Shahed in Iran Strikes

The U.S. military confirmed the first combat use of its Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones during airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, as part of Operation Epic Fury. These one-way attack drones, modeled after Iran’s Shahed-136 design, targeted Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps command centers, air defense systems, and military infrastructure according to reports. The deployment marks a strategic shift toward cost-effective, scalable unmanned systems in U.S. military operations.

Developed by Arizona-based SpektreWorks, the LUCAS drone costs approximately $35,000 per unit, significantly cheaper than traditional long-range munitions like Hellfire missiles as detailed in reports. The platform, reverse-engineered from the Shahed-136, can be launched via catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, or mobile ground systems, with a reported range of up to 500 miles according to Pentagon data. Its affordability and adaptability align with Pentagon efforts to accelerate the procurement of autonomous systems, as outlined in Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s July 2025 directive to prioritize "low-cost, high-impact" technologies according to official directives.

The U.S. military’s adoption of Shahed-like drones reflects broader fiscal and operational trends. Iran has extensively used its Shahed-136s in conflicts across the Middle East, including strikes on U.S. facilities in Bahrain as reported by analysis. By replicating and improving upon this design, the U.S. aims to counter adversaries while reducing reliance on expensive, traditional weapons. Task Force Scorpion Strike, a newly established unit under U.S. Special Operations Command-Central, spearheaded the LUCAS deployment, emphasizing rapid innovation and scalability according to military sources.

Financial analysts note that the LUCAS program underscores the Pentagon’s focus on balancing high-tech capabilities with cost efficiency. With a U.S. defense budget of $895 billion in 2026—far exceeding Iran’s $15 billion—investments in affordable drones like LUCAS could reshape future procurement strategies, prioritizing volume and adaptability over high-cost systems as market analysis shows. The success of these drones in Operation Epic Fury may influence global defense markets, as other nations seek similar cost-effective solutions for asymmetric warfare.

According to U.S. Central Command: The first combat use of LUCAS drones in Iran strikes was confirmed.
Pentagon directives and manufacturer data: Highlight LUCAS's cost and operational advantages.
As reported by analysis: Shahed-136 drones have been widely used by Iran and Russia in regional conflicts.