US for the first time used 'one-way attack drones' on Iran - Fox

US for the first time used 'one-way attack drones' on Iran - Fox

U.S. Deploys Low-Cost "One-Way Attack Drones" in Middle East Amid Escalating Tensions With Iran

The U.S. military has activated its first dedicated squadron of low-cost, one-way attack drones in the Middle East, marking a strategic shift toward cost-effective unmanned systems in regional conflicts. The unit, known as Task Force Scorpion, operates the LUKAS (Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System), a drone developed by U.S. Special Operations Command after reverse-engineering captured Iranian Shahed drones. Designed to function in GPS-denied environments and deployable in swarms, the LUKAS system costs approximately $35,000 per unit—far less than traditional precision-guided munitions like the Tomahawk cruise missile, which can exceed $1 million per launch.

The deployment reflects broader military and financial trends observed in recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where low-cost drones have disrupted conventional warfare economics. By prioritizing affordability and scalability, the U.S. aims to sustain prolonged operations while mitigating budgetary strain. The LUKAS drone was test-launched in December 2025 from the USS Santa Barbara, a vessel currently stationed in the Middle East as part of a U.S. force buildup amid heightened tensions with Iran.

This move aligns with growing global interest in cost-efficient defense technologies. Analysts note that the shift to one-way attack drones could reshape procurement strategies, favoring volume over high-cost, high-precision systems. However, the financial implications extend beyond procurement: the U.S. faces potential risks from Iranian countermeasures, including drone swarms and cyberattacks, which may necessitate increased investments in air defense and electronic warfare.

The deployment underscores the U.S. military's adaptation to asymmetric threats while balancing fiscal constraints. As conflicts increasingly rely on attritional tactics, the economic viability of low-cost systems like LUKAS may influence future defense budgets and industrial capabilities. For now, the focus remains on containing costs while maintaining operational flexibility in a volatile region.

According to Fox13, PBS, and KSBY News: Fox13, PBS, and KSBY News
Defence Blog analysis: Defence Blog