The Pentagon has developed an analogue of the Iranian attack drone "Shahed"

The US Department of Defense has unveiled a low-cost unmanned combat aircraft called the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS). This drone is designed to be a response to Iran's Shahed-136 loitering munition.

The LUCAS system, which has already been reviewed by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, is described as a reliable and cost-effective Group 3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is capable of operating in harsh environments with minimal logistical requirements.

Key features of LUCAS include:

• Open architecture: Allows integration of a variety of payloads for reconnaissance, strike operations, and communications support.

• Multi-functionality: Can be used as a target drone or as an optionally manned combat system.

• Autonomous Missions: Supports autonomous compatible missions.

• Network Integration: Provides network-centric strike capabilities and utilizes the FLM 131 platform with highly compatible guidance systems.

• Communications Node: Can function as a communications relay in the Multi-domain Unmanned Systems Communications (MUSIC) mesh network, enhancing secure communications for the U.S. Armed Forces and their allies.

The LUCAS presentation comes amid growing interest in low-cost drones that can complement traditional air forces. Iran’s Shahed drones have attracted international attention for their use in Ukraine and the Middle East, prompting U.S. defense planners to seek similar systems with enhanced capabilities and reusable capabilities. This has also been fueled by President Donald Trump’s call for Americans to learn how to make low-cost drones like the Shahed.

Yesterday, US President's Special Representative for Ukraine Keith Kellogg visited Ukrainian drone production and was amazed by what he saw.

"I have seen with my own eyes how Ukrainian-made drones are being created and developed. Incredible innovation, especially with drones. In this new era/type of war, they are leading the way. Their speed of innovation and ability to rework is impressive. Our defense industrial base must pay attention to this and adapt," Kellogg said.

dev.ua recently spoke with an aviation expert about the threat posed by new modified versions of Shahed kamikaze drones.

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"The enemy will soon begin attempts to implement jamming tools directly on one of the drones accompanying the main group." The expert told what to expect from the "pumped" Russian shaheeds

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"The enemy will soon begin attempts to implement jamming tools directly on one of the drones accompanying the main group." The expert told what to expect from the "pumped" Russian shaheeds

New modifications of the Shahed began to massively use Ukrainian mobile networks and advanced guidance systems

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New modifications of the Shahed began to massively use Ukrainian mobile networks and advanced guidance systems

"A 'Shahed' with a camera, a direct radio control system with the Russian Federation and an artificial intelligence module has been discovered for the first time." Flash reported on a pumped-up version of the enemy drone, which is already being used to attack Ukraine

On the topic

"A 'Shahed' with a camera, a direct radio control system with the Russian Federation and an artificial intelligence module has been discovered for the first time." Flash reported on a pumped-up version of the enemy drone, which is already being used to attack Ukraine