ARABIAN GULF –
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet (NAVCENT/C5F) launched a one-way attack drone from a ship at sea for the first time Dec. 16, marking a significant milestone in expanding unmanned capabilities in the region. The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) conducted the historic launch in the Arabian Gulf, employing a Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS).
“This first successful launch of LUCAS from a naval vessel marks a significant milestone in rapidly delivering affordable and effective unmanned capabilities to the warfighter,” said Vice Adm. Curt Renshaw, commander of NAVCENT/C5F. “This achievement demonstrates the power of innovation and joint collaboration in this critical region.”
Earlier in December, U.S. Central Command announced the deployment of the military’s first one-way-attack drone squadron to the Middle East. The LUCAS platform launched from USS Santa Barbara’s flight deck is part of Task Force Scorpion Strike, a squadron formed to equip U.S. forces with cutting-edge unmanned tools.
LUCAS drones operated by U.S. forces in the Middle East region have extended range and can be launched through multiple mechanisms, including catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, and mobile ground and vehicle systems.
“This platform will undoubtedly enhance regional maritime security and deterrence,” Renshaw said.
NAVCENT/C5F’s unmanned and autonomous operations task force, Task Force 59, executed the launch.
NAVCENT/C5F serves as the maritime component of U.S. Central Command, overseeing approximately 2.5 million square miles of water across the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse includes 21 countries and three critical maritime chokepoints: the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the southern tip of Yemen.
From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet. 