Why the US is using a cheap Iranian drone against the country itself
New Scientist
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US is deploying a low-cost, Iranian-inspired drone called LUCAS (Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System) against Iran, despite拥有更先进武器的 availability. The Shahed 136, developed by Iran, is a simple, affordable drone with a motorcycle engine, costing around $50,000 each and capable of carrying a 15-kilogram payload over 2,500 kilometers at about 185 km/h. While less advanced than hypersonic missiles or stealth jets, its low cost and scalability make it highly effective in overwhelming enemy defenses.
The Shahed drone has been widely used by Russia in Ukraine and Houthi forces in Yemen, requiring extensive air defense measures to counter them. The US reverse-engineered the Shahed 136 to create LUCAS, which is modular for reconnaissance or combat purposes. This weapon's economic strategy mirrors historical tactics like the WWII V-1 flying bombs, using sheer numbers to overwhelm defenses and force adversaries to expend resources on expensive interceptors.
The use of such drones highlights a shift in modern warfare economics. With their low production costs, nations can deploy them in large quantities to saturate enemy air defenses, making it unsustainable for opponents to defend against without significant resource expenditure. This approach challenges traditional reliance on costly, advanced weaponry and underscores the growing importance of expendable, mass-produced systems in contemporary conflict strategies.
For readers interested in science and military strategy, this story illustrates how simple yet effective technologies can reshape warfare dynamics. The Shahed 136 and its derivatives demonstrate that economic considerations often play a crucial role alongside technological sophistication, offering insights into future military developments and the evolving nature of combat tactics.
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Originally published on New Scientist on 3/3/2026