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Shahed-136 Clone Found By Florida Fisherman, Eglin AFB Admits It Lost A Drone
TWZ • • nation
Key Points:
- A Florida fishing charter near Eglin Air Force Base recovered a delta-wing aerial drone resembling the Iranian Shahed-136 and the U.S. military’s LUCAS drone, used for one-way attack missions and testing.
- Eglin AFB confirmed losing a test drone recently but did not specify if it was the same drone found; the base's 96th Test Wing oversees extensive testing of air-delivered weapons and operates a large Gulf of Mexico test range.
- The LUCAS drone, costing about $35,000, is designed for autonomous, long-range operations and was first used in combat during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, highlighting advances in low-cost attack drone technology.
- The recovered drone was missing key components likely lost upon water impact, and local charter operators reported the find to authorities, who eventually collected the drone.
- LUCAS development continues with swarm capabilities, while Eglin AFB also advances counter-drone measures, reflecting the growing military focus on unmanned aerial systems amid ongoing conflicts and testing activities.
