US Deploys LUCAS Drones in First Combat Strikes Against Iran During Operation Epic Fury

The United States deployed its new Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones in combat for the first time during Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iranian military assets. Modeled after Iran's Shahed-136 drones, these one-way attack drones were part of coordinated US-Israel strikes that reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior commanders. Iran retaliated with Shahed drone attacks on US bases, causing minimal damage and no US casualties. The LUCAS drones represent a strategic shift toward affordable, expendable drone warfare.