Iran launched multiple one-way attack drones: US
U.S. defense officials have confirmed that Iran launched multiple one-way attack drones as part of its recent military response to Operation Epic Fury, a U.S.-led campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure. According to CENTCOM, the Iranian attacks included over 2,000 drones and 500 ballistic missiles directed at civilian and military targets in the Middle East. These drones, primarily of the Shahed series, are known for overwhelming air defenses with sheer numbers.
The U.S. military has deployed its own one-way attack drone system, the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS), which is a reverse-engineered version of the Iranian Shahed-136. The LUCAS drone was first used in combat during the February 28 strikes on Iran. Each LUCAS unit costs approximately $35,000, significantly less than traditional cruise missiles or advanced drones like the Reaper, which can cost tens of millions of dollars. This cost asymmetry allows for large-scale deployment and sustained pressure on enemy infrastructure.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine have emphasized that the U.S. campaign is intensifying, with a focus on degrading Iran’s ability to rapidly rebuild its military capabilities. As of the fourth day of the operation, drone and missile launches decreased by 73% and 86%, respectively, compared to the first day. However, officials acknowledge that the Shahed drones pose a unique challenge due to low-altitude flight profiles and evasion ability to evade traditional air defense systems.
The financial implications of the conflict are significant. The U.S. military has spent billions on interceptors such as the Patriot missile system, which cost up to $4 million per unit, to counter Iranian drone and missile attacks. In contrast, Iran’s ability to mass-produce Shahed drones at a fraction of the cost creates a strategic and economic imbalance. Analysts suggest that the war could become a prolonged contest of attrition, with the U.S. facing shortages of air defense munitions.
As the conflict continues, the U.S. and its allies are shifting toward more cost-effective solutions, including the deployment of LUCAS drones and other low-cost munitions. These systems are expected to play a central role in future operations, allowing for sustained pressure on Iranian military assets while minimizing the financial burden on U.S. defense budgets.
