In military engagements involving Iran, the United States has introduced a self-developed, budget-friendly attack drone, aptly named 'Lucas'. The drone's full moniker is the 'Fighter Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Aerial System' (FLM-136 Lucas), a product of reverse engineering efforts on Iran's 'Shahed-136' drone by SpektreWorks, an Arizona-based company. This drone prioritizes speed, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, with a price tag ranging from roughly $10,000 to $55,000 per unit. It offers an impressive maximum range of over 700 kilometers, can remain airborne for up to 6 hours, and has a payload capacity of 18 kilograms. The Lucas drone is characterized by its delta-wing design, a compact and lightweight body, and a modular structure that enables it to be swiftly adapted for various missions, such as aerial surveillance or maritime attacks.

In December 2025, the U.S. military formed its inaugural operational unit dedicated to this system, the 'Scorpion Strike Task Force,' which saw its first combat deployment in February 2026. During this operation, the task force successfully struck Iranian military installations, key strongholds of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and other strategic targets. The introduction and utilization of the Lucas drone are revolutionizing conventional air defense combat paradigms. This move is perceived as a strategic shift by the U.S. military, heralding a significant transformation in the Pentagon's approach to weaponry development.