The crew of the USS Santa Barbara and personnel from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command successfully launched a one-way attack drone from a warship at sea for the first time.
The San Diego-based littoral combat ship was in the Arabian Gulf when a new Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, or LUCAS, was launched from the flight deck earlier this month.
“This first successful launch of LUCAS from a naval vessel marks a significant milestone in rapidly delivering affordable and effective unmanned capabilities to the warfighter,” said Vice Adm. Curt Renshaw, commander of NAVCENT and the Fifth Fleet. “This achievement demonstrates the power of innovation and joint collaboration in this critical region.”
The Navy said its LUCAS drones have an “extensive range” and can operate autonomously after launch.
"Bravo Zulu. U.S. Navy forces in the Middle East are advancing warfighting capability in new ways, bringing more striking power from the sea and setting conditions for using innovation as a deterrent." – Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander https://t.co/TgQ4WLbph3 pic.twitter.com/WUiAVojTht
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 18, 2025
Built by Arizona-based SpektreWorks, the LUCAS is a U.S. version of a type of drone designed by Iran and used extensively by Russia against targets in the Ukraine. The aircraft are approximately 10 feet long with an 8-foot wingspan.
“This platform will undoubtedly enhance regional maritime security and deterrence,” said Renshaw.
The Santa Barbara is operating as part of the Navy’s Task Force Scorpion Strike squadron, which was formed to train U.S. service members with the latest cutting-edge weapons.
