The U.S Navy successfully launched a one-way attack drone from a ship at sea for the first time on December 16, 2025, in the Arabian Gulf from the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara.
Known as Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, or LUCAS, the drone is part of Task Force Scorpion Strike, a squadron created to equip US forces with cost-effective unmanned systems.
Per the U.S Navy, LUCAS platforms in the Middle East are designed to be flexible.
The U.S is focusing on deploying autonomous, unmanned systems in the Middle East to support surveillance operations and reduce risk to the crew.
One way attack drones fly towards the target and destroy it on impact.
Additionally, they can be launched from ships or from ground level, from rocket-assisted takeoff systems or even vehicle-mounted launchers, allowing the U.S military to use them from any platform or location without the need for any specialised infrastructure.
The LUCAS drone is expected to strengthen the navy’s deterrence and maritime
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