American Shahed-136 Clones with Satellite Datalinks and Swarming Capabilities Deployed to Middle East

Newly released Pentagon imagery reveals additional configurations of the Low Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS), the American adaptation of the Shahed 136 loitering munition now positioned for use by Task Force Scorpion Strike in the Middle East. These updates underscore the flexibility of the original platform, an attribute long cited as a justification for producing such drones in large quantities.

Two LUCAS variants are displayed in the new material. One model appears optimized for engaging stationary targets. The second, however, features significant enhancements, including a nose mounted gimbaled camera and a compact satellite datalink installed along the spine. This technology enables operators to guide the drone far beyond visual range, strike mobile targets, and redirect missions while the aircraft is already airborne.

The satellite equipped variant also supports coordinated swarm operations. Drones carrying only line of sight datalinks can communicate with the satellite enabled unit within the group, allowing human operators to supervise and adjust the swarms actions in real time. This approach reduces overall system cost by pairing multiple basic airframes with a smaller number of advanced networking equipped units while retaining the full tactical benefits of a more expensive fleet.

High resolution images highlight the upgraded models camera and communications hardware in greater detail. These improvements contrast sharply with the Russian use of Shahed 136 drones in Ukraine, where limited control links restrict operational flexibility. While Russia has adapted some units for short range piloted missions and improvised cellular control, their capabilities remain far behind the level provided by LUCAS.

American officials describe the system as an affordable platform with extensive range and full beyond line of sight operation. Each drone costs roughly thirty five thousand dollars, making it a low cost option for long range strikes across CENTCOMs vast theater. According to defense leadership, the drones can autonomously coordinate and conduct network driven attacks, allowing for highly adaptable swarm packages tailored to specific missions.

These drones can also work in conjunction with the broader intelligence and strike ecosystem available to U S forces, increasing survivability and lethality. When integrated with electronic warfare assets or conventional firepower, even failed penetration attempts can force adversaries to expend valuable interceptors, further benefiting the overall effort.

In strategic terms, the deployment shifts the balance in the region. Irans long range kamikaze drones have historically been intercepted by U S and Israeli air defenses, which employ advanced aircraft, surface to air systems, and comprehensive data sharing. Iran lacks equivalent command and control architecture, leaving it highly exposed to the same category of threat now fielded by the United States.

LUCAS may also include additional configurations not yet disclosed, potentially including anti radiation versions designed to detect and strike radar emitters. Such drones could loiter within contested airspace until an air defense system activates, then home in autonomously. Variants equipped with basic electronic surveillance tools could even combine data across a swarm to locate and suppress enemy radars collectively.

Israels prior operational experience with similar weapons, including their use against Iranian systems during last summers conflict, likely influenced the push to bring LUCAS into active service. Until now, the drones had been limited to research, development, and training as stand ins for Shahed platforms.

Overall, the United States is not merely deploying replicas of Iranian drones designed for simple fixed target strikes. Instead, it is introducing a networked family of remotely guided weapons capable of swarming, updating missions mid flight, hunting fleeting targets, and providing reconnaissance well beyond standard radio horizons.

Author: Olivia Parker