In a historic and unprecedented military action, the United States deployed unmanned drones directly inspired by Iranian technology to strike targets in Tehran on Saturday. This marks the first time such an operation has been conducted against the Iranian capital.
Operation Epic Fury and the LUCAS Drones
US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations across the Middle East, officially confirmed the use of Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones during the mission, codenamed Operation Epic Fury. A CENTCOM statement declared, 'These low-cost drones, modeled after Iran's Shahed drones, are now delivering American-made retribution.'
The Iranian-origin Shahed drones utilise a GPS navigation system to reach their designated targets and can execute strikes on command, typically aimed at buildings and military installations. The American adaptation, manufactured by SpektreWorks, represents a significant technological evolution.
Technical Specifications and Development
According to reports from Defense News, the US version is notably lighter than its Iranian counterpart. It employs a catapult launch system with rocket assistance. Each unit carries an approximate production cost of $35,000. The platform's first successful launch occurred during a drill aboard the USS Santa Barbara in the Arabian Gulf last December.
The Coordinated Assault and Iranian Retaliation
The initial strikes, a coordinated effort between US and Israeli forces, commenced around 1:15 AM local time on Saturday. CENTCOM stated the operation's objective was to 'dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus,' targeting facilities that 'posed an imminent threat.'
Primary targets included:
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities
- Iranian air defense capabilities
- Missile and drone launch sites
- Military airfields
Following the American-led offensive, Iran launched a substantial retaliatory campaign. CENTCOM reported that US forces and allied nations in the region were forced to 'defend against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.' One Iranian missile struck the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, though damage to US installations was described as minimal.
Casualties and Military Assessment
Importantly, CENTCOM confirmed there were no US casualties or combat-related injuries from the engagement. The command post characterized Operation Epic Fury as utilising 'the largest regional concentration of US military firepower' in a general context.
Political and Strategic Reactions
Admiral Brad Cooper praised the operation, calling President Donald Trump's order for the strikes a 'bold action.' He extended gratitude to 'our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, guardians, and Coast Guardsmen' for their response.
The American public was informed of the events around 2:00 AM via a video address President Trump posted on Truth Social. In his statement, the Republican leader framed the action as defensive. 'Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,' Trump asserted.
He elaborated on the rationale, citing a history of Iranian aggression. 'Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.' Trump referenced the 1979 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran and the hostage crisis, alongside more recent provocations.
'The regime’s proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years as well as US Naval and commercial vessels in international shipping lanes,' the President stated, concluding firmly, 'It’s been mass terror, and we’re not gonna put up with it any longer.'
