U.S. Army Plans to Use Low-Cost Kamikaze Drones Against Enemy Vessels and Missiles

A warship does not need to sink to lose its combat effectiveness. Damage to its radar, communication systems, or other critical components can reduce its operational capability and create opportunities for adversaries. This possibility is part of the U.S. Army's emerging concept for long-range attack drones, such as the Low-Cost UAV Swarming Attack System (LUCAS). Army commanders outlined how these weapons could support operations against maritime and land threats at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual meeting in October. The concept extends from the Pacific to Europe: using relatively inexpensive weapons in large quantities to disrupt enemy defenses while reserving more advanced weapons for targets that require precision munitions.

Design and Features of the LUCAS Drone

The LUCAS attack drone is a long-range, one-way attack drone reverse-engineered from Iran's Shahed-136. The U.S. military announced its initial deployment in December 2025, with the weapon expected to see its first operational use against Iran in early 2026. It features an internal combustion engine and a rear-mounted propeller, equipped with a small rocket booster to assist in launching from static launchers that can be installed on land or vessels. Its appeal lies in the combination of range and relatively low cost. Such weapons can provide commanders with more opportunities to strike distant targets without fully relying on expensive cruise missiles.

The Army has also begun incorporating long-range one-way attack operations into training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, which includes weapon maintenance, weapon usage, and coordinating their use to achieve specific effects.

In the Pacific region, the Army's planning includes studying how these drones can help penetrate adversaries' anti-access and area denial networks. These networks are designed to prevent adversaries from entering or operating within a specific area. One approach is to damage specific systems on warships rather than attempting to sink the vessel. This is known as mission kill and may involve disabling radar or communication systems. The vessel may still float, but its combat effectiveness is diminished, potentially making it more vulnerable to subsequent attacks. This disruption can create brief opportunities for carrier strike groups or bomber forces to act.

Application of Drones in Europe

The Army's simulation studies have explored the potential of integrating long-range attack drones with unmanned surface vessels and other launch systems. Coordinating these capabilities can help concentrate sufficient force to achieve the desired effects.

In Europe, commanders believe that long-range attack systems can serve as a means to disrupt enemy defenses and counter missile forces. Potential targets include ground mobile launchers associated with Russia's Iskander-M and older Tochka ballistic missile systems. A large number of relatively inexpensive drones can also force defenders to expend valuable interceptors, stressing their air defense inventories.

LUCAS is expected to gain swarm capabilities through Shield AI's Hivemind autonomous software. This planned upgrade aims to enable multiple drones to coordinate missions and maneuver collaboratively. However, the Army's approach is still under development. Decisions regarding broader deployment, individual training, and the organizational structure required to operate these weapons are still being formulated.

Impact of Drone Tactics on Naval Operations

The U.S. Army's emphasis on low-cost kamikaze drones reflects the demand for high-efficiency weapons in modern warfare. These drones can not only reduce operational costs but also weaken an adversary's combat capability without directly destroying targets. By disrupting critical enemy systems, drones can create opportunities for follow-on attacks, which is particularly important in the current complex geopolitical environment.