**US Unveils Low-Cost Combat Drone to Counter Iranian-Designed Shahed Drones**
In a move aimed at countering the growing threat of Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, the United States has unveiled a new low-cost combat drone. The LUCAS (Low-Cost UAV System) was developed by Arizona-based defense contractor Spektreworks and is designed to be a flexible, modular platform for strike, reconnaissance, and communications support.
The emergence of the LUCAS comes as Russia’s increasing deployment of Shahed-type drones in Ukraine has raised concerns about national security. These Iranian-designed drones have been valued for their affordability and substantial payload, playing a key role in Moscow’s airstrike strategies against Ukraine since late 2022.
**A Reliable and Cost-Effective Option**
The LUCAS drone features an open architecture design that enables quick payload swaps and various launch options, including vehicle deployment. This makes it a reliable and cost-effective option for military forces looking to counter the threat of Shahed-type drones.
Ukraine has been at the forefront of developing strategies to counter the Shahed threat, with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office stating that Ukraine is already using interceptors to shoot down Shaheds and expanding their production. The development of low-cost combat drones like LUCAS could provide a much-needed boost to Ukraine’s anti-drone defense capabilities.
**A Growing Priority for National Security**
The increasing deployment of Shahed-type drones in Ukraine has made anti-drone defense a top priority for national security. As the threat from these Iranian-designed drones continues to grow, it is likely that other countries will also be looking to develop their own low-cost combat drone solutions to counter this emerging threat.
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