According to Khabaronline, an Iranian news agency, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the drone, known as “LUCAS,” is classified as a “one-way attack drone.” According to the U.S. military, the test launch took place two days earlier, on December 16, as part of efforts to expand the U.S. Navy’s emerging combat capabilities.
CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper praised the performance of U.S. forces in a post on X on Thursday, stating that the U.S. Navy “continues to advance its warfighting capabilities.” He added that Washington is seeking to “leverage innovation as a deterrent” in increasingly complex operational environments.
The LUCAS drone drew particular attention following earlier remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly praised Iranian drones for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, urging American companies to take inspiration from such designs. Military analysts say this reflects a broader shift in U.S. defense thinking toward asymmetric warfare and the growing role of low-cost yet effective drones on the battlefield.
The recent test in the Persian Gulf comes amid intensifying drone competition among regional and extra-regional powers, as technologies developed outside traditional Western defense industries are gaining increasing attention in military planning.