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US deploys Iran-inspired ‘Lucas’ drone in modern warfare shift
In a notable shift in military strategy, the United States has introduced a new low-cost attack drone called the FLM-136 “Lucas,” inspired by Iranian drone designs. Once dismissed as crude, Iran’s Shahed drones have now influenced US thinking on scalable, cost-effective warfare.
Nicknamed the “Toyota Corolla of drones,” Lucas reflects a philosophy prioritising reliability, affordability, and mass production over cutting-edge sophistication. Unlike expensive weapons such as Tomahawk missiles, which can cost millions, these drones are estimated to cost between $10,000 and $55,000, making them far more deployable in large numbers.
US officials say the drones have already been used in strikes targeting infrastructure linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Early reports suggest they may have contributed to a sharp reduction in Iranian drone attacks, although comprehensive data is still limited.
The shift stems from a strategic concern: US war simulations revealed that in a high-intensity conflict, especially against major powers, critical munitions could run out within weeks. This vulnerability prompted the Pentagon to rethink its reliance on expensive, precision weapons and instead develop systems that can be produced rapidly and at scale.
What makes the Lucas programme especially significant is its origin. It represents one of the first known instances in decades where the US has reverse-engineered an adversary’s technology for direct battlefield use. Engineers reportedly studied a recovered Iranian drone and developed an improved, mass-producible version.
Production has also adapted to wartime needs, with multiple smaller manufacturers contributing instead of a single contractor. This decentralised approach mirrors industrial strategies seen during large-scale wars.
Ultimately, the rise of drones like Lucas signals a broader transformation in warfare—where success may depend less on technological superiority and more on the ability to produce and deploy weapons quickly and in large numbers.
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