🇺🇸 In a notable leap in drone development, the U.S. has unveiled a new kamikaze-style drone called the MQM‑172 Arrowhead, which closely resembles Iran’s Geran/Shahed loitering munitions. This comes on the heels of the LUCAS (FLM 131) prototype, offering new insights into Washington’s evolving drone capabilities.
MQM-172 Arrowhead – A U.S. Shahed lookalike
According to defense observers, the MQM‑172 Arrowhead is the second U.S. version modeled on Iran’s Geran/Shahed loitering kamikaze drone. Though detailed specifications are not publicly available, the drone’s external similarity suggests it shares the delta‑wing design and frontal warhead focus typical of Shahed-style systems.
LUCAS (FLM 131) – Low-Cost Combat Drone
Earlier this year, U.S. firm SpektreWorks introduced LUCAS (Low‑Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System)—also identified as the FLM 131—at the Pentagon.
LUCAS features:
• Modular design: Equipped to handle strike, reconnaissance, or comms payloads.
• Low cost: Under 600 kg, approximate cost of $100,000 USD.
• Flexible deployment: Includes RATO launch and truck-based field firing.
• Technical agility: Supports both 12V and 28V power, remote payload switching, and meets size-weight-power criteria (SWaP).
Developed in about 18 months, LUCAS is optimized to emulate battlefield threats affordably—aligning with Pentagon efforts to scale drone production quickly in modern warfare.
Why It Matters
These developments highlight a strategic pivot by the U.S. toward rapid deployment of low-cost, high-impact loitering munitions—a response to Iran’s prolific use of Shahed drones in Ukraine and other conflict zones. Both Arrowhead and LUCAS reflect a shift towards mass-produced threat emulation, reinforcing U.S. competitiveness in autonomous strike systems without the resource overhead of traditional platforms.
