US-Israel Attack on Iran Deploys 'Suicide' Drone First Tested by San Diego Warship

The Low Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drone was used to strike Iranian command and control facilities.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Central Command has revealed that an unmanned 'suicide' drone that was initially tested by the San Diego-based USS Santa Barbara warship in December was used in combat for the first time during the recent U.S.-Israel attack on Iran. The LUCAS one-way drone, which costs $35,000, was used to strike Iranian command and control facilities, highlighting the Navy's rapid push to develop a variety of unmanned systems.

Why it matters

This incident represents a notable milestone in the military's use of unmanned aerial vehicles, as the LUCAS drone was reverse-engineered from Iran's own Shahed-136 drone technology. It also underscores the San Diego region's role as a hub for naval innovation and the testing of new unmanned systems.

The details

The USS Santa Barbara, a littoral combat ship, test flew the LUCAS drone while deployed in the Persian Gulf. Central Command did not provide specifics on how many drones were used or which ships launched them, but confirmed the drones were deployed to strike Iranian targets during the recent U.S.-Israel attack.

  • The USS Santa Barbara tested the LUCAS drone in December 2025 while deployed in the Persian Gulf.
  • The U.S.-Israel attack on Iran occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The players

USS Santa Barbara

A San Diego-based littoral combat ship that tested the LUCAS drone in December 2025 while deployed in the Persian Gulf.

Low Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS)

A $35,000 'suicide' drone that was reverse-engineered from Iran's Shahed-136 drone technology and used in the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran.

U.S. Central Command

The U.S. military command that revealed the use of the LUCAS drone in the attack on Iran.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The U.S. military is likely to continue expanding its use of unmanned aerial systems, including the LUCAS drone, in future operations against adversaries.

The takeaway

This incident highlights San Diego's role as a hub for naval innovation and the testing of new unmanned systems, as well as the military's growing reliance on reverse-engineered drone technology to gain tactical advantages over adversaries.