The United States has introduced a new low-cost attack drone, the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS), into active combat, reflecting a significant shift in modern warfare tactics. Developed by Arizona-based SpektreWorks, LUCAS is designed to operate at a range of 650 kilometers (400 miles), allowing it to strike targets deep within contested areas without the need for expensive launch systems. Priced at approximately $35,000 per unit, LUCAS is a cost-effective alternative to traditional precision weapons like Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can exceed $2 million each. Its design closely resembles Iran's Shahed drone series, with the manufacturer confirming that it was reverse-engineered from these models. This move comes in response to the increasing challenge of intercepting swarms of low-cost drones, which conventional air defense systems struggle to combat effectively. The deployment of LUCAS signifies a transition from observation of drone tactics to direct implementation, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. military strategy.