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Pentagon Deploys New One-Way Drones in Historic Iran Strike

KVIA•Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:54 PM•ABC News

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AI Summary

In a significant military development, the Pentagon executed its first combat strike using one-way drones against Iran on February 28, 2026. This operation marks a rapid deployment of the Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS), which was first tested just three months prior. Each LUCAS drone, costing approximately $35,000, offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional drones like the $30 million Reaper. The initiative is part of CENTCOM's Task Force Scorpion Strike, aimed at enhancing U.S. military capabilities in the Middle East. These drones, designed for autonomous operation, were reverse-engineered from Iranian technology and are expected to play a pivotal role in future military engagements.

Key Details: • LUCAS drones were first deployed in December 2025. • Each LUCAS drone costs about $35,000, significantly cheaper than traditional drones. • The operation was part of CENTCOM's Task Force Scorpion Strike, initiated to accelerate drone technology deployment.

military technology drones iran centcom

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Pete HegsethMiddle EastCENTCOMArabian GulfSpektreWorks

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