On December 16, personnel from the 5th Fleet, part of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVECENT/C5F), successfully conducted the first ship-on-ship launch of a U.S. Armed Forces unidirectional attack drone. The operation took place from the Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) while it was sailing in the Arabian Gulf.
During the test, the ship launched a Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS), marking a milestone in the integration of unmanned systems into U.S. naval operations. The launch was executed by Task Force 59, NAVCENT/C5F’s task force specializing in unmanned and autonomous operations.
Regarding this, NAVCENT/C5F Commander Vice Admiral Curt Renshaw stated, “This first successful launch of LUCAS from a naval vessel marks a significant milestone in the rapid delivery of affordable and effective unmanned capabilities to the warfighter.” He added, “This achievement demonstrates the power of innovation and joint collaboration in this critical region.”
The deployment of the LUCAS system is part of a broader strategy announced in early December. On the 3rd of this month, U.S. Central Command reported the arrival in the Middle East of the first squadron of unidirectional attack drones of the U.S. Armed Forces. The drone launched from the USS Santa Barbara is part of Task Force Scorpion Strike, created to equip military personnel with new unmanned capabilities.
The LUCAS drones deployed by the U.S. in the Middle East have extended range and can be launched using various mechanisms, including catapults, rocket-assisted launch systems, and mobile ground or vehicle-mounted platforms. In this regard, Renshaw emphasized that “this platform will undoubtedly enhance regional maritime security and deterrence,” referring to the operational impact these systems can have on the regional maritime environment.
According to information released, the LUCAS system has at least two variants, identifiable from images published by the Pentagon. One is designed to attack static targets, while the other incorporates a camera with a satellite link, allowing the drone to be redirected after launch and used against moving targets.
Analysts point out that this capability would facilitate the coordinated use of swarm drones, utilizing sensor-equipped versions as control nodes for those carrying only an explosive warhead. This approach would represent a significant difference compared to systems like the Shahed-136, employed by Iran and recently used in both the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine, which have limitations in control beyond line of sight.
With this first naval launch, the U.S. Navy is advancing the operational integration of low-cost attack drones from surface platforms, expanding the spectrum of unmanned capabilities available for operations in complex maritime environments.
*Images obtained from the U.S. Navy.
You may also like: The beginning of the end for a nuclear giant: the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz arrived in the US after completing its final deployment in the Pacific
