Story perspectives

Air Force Seeks Lightweight Drones for Combat Missions

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Air Force issued a Request for Information for portable, under-30-pound one-way attack drones deployable by small teams in hostile environments.
The Air Force aims to close the gap in first-person-view capabilities by fielding drones that strike targets up to 20 kilometers away.
The Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) has seen its first combat use in Operation Epic Fury, and Pentagon plans $1.1 billion for Drone Dominance program.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. military's extensive use of drones began in 2001 during the Afghanistan War, marking a significant shift in warfare tactics. The MQ-1 Predator, armed with Hellfire missiles, was first deployed for targeted strikes against al-Qaeda leaders. By 2012, the Air Force trained more UAV pilots than traditional fighter pilots, reflecting the growing reliance on unmanned systems for combat operations.

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Story summary

The U.S. Air Force issued a Request for Information for portable, under-30-pound one-way attack drones deployable by small teams in hostile environments.
The Air Force aims to close the gap in first-person-view capabilities by fielding drones that strike targets up to 20 kilometers away.
The Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) has seen its first combat use in Operation Epic Fury, and Pentagon plans $1.1 billion for Drone Dominance program.

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