The ship launched a Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System as part of the milestone event at sea. “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 and U.S. 5th Fleet.
Renshaw said the event highlighted the impact of innovation and cooperation in the region. “This achievement demonstrates the power of innovation and joint collaboration in this critical region,” he said.
The drone launched from USS Santa Barbara is part of Task Force Scorpion Strike, a one-way attack drone squadron deployed to the Middle East earlier this month. U.S. Central Command announced the deployment on 3 December as part of efforts to equip forces with new operational capabilities.
According to the Navy, LUCAS platforms used by U.S. forces in the Middle East have extended range and can be launched using several methods. These include catapults, rocket-assisted take-off systems, and mobile ground or vehicle-based launchers.
“This platform will undoubtedly enhance regional maritime security and deterrence,” Renshaw said. The launch was executed by NAVCENT and U.S. 5th Fleet’s unmanned and autonomous operations task force, Task Force 59.
NAVCENT and U.S. 5th Fleet serve as the maritime component of U.S. Central Command across a region covering around 2.5 million square miles of water. The area includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean, as well as key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Source: U.S. Navy (press release).
