Return To Sender? America's 'Shahed Clone' Included In Military Buildup Around Iran
- By Amos Chapple
A US-made kamikaze drone that mimics the design of Iran's infamous Shahed 136 is currently deployed in the Middle East and could be used in military strikes.
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A LUCAS kamikaze drone is launched from a US naval warship during tests in December 2025.
The American Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drone was reverse-engineered from the Iranian-designed Shahed 136, which has become a symbol of modern war since first appearing in 2021.
The American Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drone was reverse-engineered from the Iranian-designed Shahed 136, which has become a symbol of modern war since first appearing in 2021.
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Iranian Shahed 136 drones in their launch frame.
Iran began supplying Russia with Shahed 136 drones in 2022 and Moscow has since terrorized Ukrainian cities with the weapons. In 2023, Russia launched domestic production of the Iranian-designed weapon after signing a licensing deal with Tehran worth a reported $1.75 billion.
Iran began supplying Russia with Shahed 136 drones in 2022 and Moscow has since terrorized Ukrainian cities with the weapons. In 2023, Russia launched domestic production of the Iranian-designed weapon after signing a licensing deal with Tehran worth a reported $1.75 billion.
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An US-made LUCAS drone photographed in flight.
SpektreWorks, the Arizona-based producer of the LUCAS drones has highlighted the same cost advantages for its platform that have made the Shahed ubiquitous in Russia’s war on Ukraine.
SpektreWorks, the Arizona-based producer of the LUCAS drones has highlighted the same cost advantages for its platform that have made the Shahed ubiquitous in Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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A Shahed drone explodes in Kyiv in October 2022.
Due to its relatively low price of a few tens of thousands of dollars per drone, the Iranian-designed weapons can be launched in near daily swarms capable of overwhelming air defense networks.
Due to its relatively low price of a few tens of thousands of dollars per drone, the Iranian-designed weapons can be launched in near daily swarms capable of overwhelming air defense networks.
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American Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (upper left) being shown samples of kamikaze drones in the courtyard of the Pentagon in July 2025.
America’s LUCAS drone is smaller, slower and less destructive than its Iranian-designed counterpart. It comes with similar price tag of around $35,000 per unit, and some advantages.
America’s LUCAS drone is smaller, slower and less destructive than its Iranian-designed counterpart. It comes with similar price tag of around $35,000 per unit, and some advantages.
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A LUCAS drone is launched from a US naval warship with a disposable rocket booster during trails in December 2025.
SpektreWorks says, unlike the Iranian-designed Shaheds, their drones are able to use a “mesh” communication network to autonomously coordinate swarm strikes, and feature a payload bay that can be fitted with explosives, or reconnaissance equipment, depending on mission requirements.
SpektreWorks says, unlike the Iranian-designed Shaheds, their drones are able to use a “mesh” communication network to autonomously coordinate swarm strikes, and feature a payload bay that can be fitted with explosives, or reconnaissance equipment, depending on mission requirements.
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A US warship prepares to launch a LUCAS drone (just visible at stern of ship) in December 2025.
Task Force Scorpion, the Pentagon’s first kamikaze drone unit, which fields the LUCAS, is now in the Middle East and was reportedly "ready to participate" in any strikes on Iran.
Task Force Scorpion, the Pentagon’s first kamikaze drone unit, which fields the LUCAS, is now in the Middle East and was reportedly "ready to participate" in any strikes on Iran.
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LUCAS drones at an unnamed US military base in November 2025.
Task Force Scorpion was established in late 2025 as part of the White House's "drone dominance" push. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently called for the US to "invest in inexpensive, unmanned platforms that have proved so effective," in modern warfare.
Task Force Scorpion was established in late 2025 as part of the White House's "drone dominance" push. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently called for the US to "invest in inexpensive, unmanned platforms that have proved so effective," in modern warfare.
