The US Navy has launched an attack drone from an Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) at sea for the first time, marking a milestone in unmanned naval operations.
As disclosed, the event happened under the command of US Naval Forces Central Command/US 5th Fleet (NAVCENT/C5F) on December 16, 2025. USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32), commissioned in 2023, achieved this historic milestone in the Arabian Gulf while launching an unmanned combat attack system (LUCAS).
The LUCAS drone that took off from USS Santa Barbara’s flight deck is part of the Task Force Scorpion Strike squadron formed to equip US service members with the latest technology.
The platforms operated by US forces in the Middle East have an extensive range and can be launched with different mechanisms, including catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, and mobile ground and vehicle systems.
“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.”
NAVCENT/C5F is the maritime component of US Central Command, whose area of responsibility encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.
This expanse, comprised of 21 countries, includes three critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the southern tip of Yemen.