An American littoral combat ship (LCS) has become the first U.S. Navy warship at sea to launch a one-way attack drone.
As per a recent press statement, halfway through last month the Independence-class LCS USS Santa Barbara fired a Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) while underway in the Red Sea.
The warship makes up part of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet (NAVCENT/C5F). Its uncrewed and autonomous operations task force, Task Force 59, carried out the LUCAS drone launch.
NAVCENT/C5F’s commander, Vice Admiral Curt Renshaw, commented: “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.”
He added: “This achievement demonstrates the power of innovation and joint collaboration in this critical region” and observed “This platform will undoubtedly enhance regional maritime security and deterrence.”
A part of the U.S. Navy’s recently-formed Task Force Scorpion Strike squadron aimed at delivering new technology to forward units, the LUCAS drone squadron was deployed to the Middle East at the start of December 2025.
The LUCAS drones’ range, while unspecified, has been described as “extensive” and the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) can be launched via a variety of different mechanisms including catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, and mobile ground and vehicle systems.
- You can read more details on the U.S. Navy website