Weapons – Page 7 – Air Marshal's Perspective

July 27, 2025July 27, 2025

711: LOW-COST, HIGH-IMPACT LUCAS KAMIKAZE DRONE: AMERICA’S ANSWER TO MODERN AERIAL WARFARE

My Article published on “The EurasianTimes” website on 28 Jul 25

On July 16, 2025, the United States Department of Defence revealed the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) during an exhibition of autonomous systems at the Pentagon courtyard, attended by Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. Developed by Spectreworks, based in Arizona, LUCAS is designed to counter the escalating threat of loitering munitions. The system aims to facilitate distributed operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, in light of rising concerns over Chinese drone activities near Japan. Considerable interest has been expressed regarding its development, design, capabilities, and strategic significance.

Genesis. The emergence of the LUCAS drone is not a coincidence. It is a direct response to the transformation of modern warfare driven by the global proliferation of low-cost kamikaze drones. Iran’s Shahed-136, a delta-wing kamikaze drone, has served as a notable example, utilised by Russia in Ukraine and by Iran-backed groups in the Middle East to precisely target objectives at a significantly reduced cost compared to traditional munitions. The low cost and extended range of the Shahed-136 exposed a gap in Western arsenals, which have historically depended on expensive, reusable platforms such as the MQ-9 Reaper. The United States’ response materialised as the LUCAS system, a three-category UAS (capable of carrying up to 600 kg and operating at altitudes reaching 5,500 meters).

Analytical Perspective

LUCAS’s design exhibits both visual and functional similarities to the Shahed-136, showcasing a triangular delta-wing configuration optimised for long-range loitering. Nonetheless, it differs significantly in terms of engineering and versatility. Powered by a two-cylinder DA-215 engine (215 cm³), LUCAS contrasts with the Shahed’s four-cylinder Limbach L550E clone, providing enhanced fuel efficiency and a reduced acoustic signature. Its modular and open architecture accommodates various payloads, including reconnaissance sensors, electronic warfare modules, and explosive warheads, thereby facilitating adaptability to a wide range of mission profiles.

The drone’s adaptability constitutes a fundamental advantage. LUCAS accommodates various launch methods, including Rocket-Assisted Take-Off (RATO) and truck-based deployment, thereby facilitating rapid utilisation by personnel with limited specialisation. In contrast to the single-use Shahed-136, LUCAS can be reused in specific configurations, such as reconnaissance missions, thereby improving its cost efficiency. It operates on 28V and 12V power supplies, supporting a wide range of payloads. Its Multi-domain Unmanned Systems Communications (MUSIC) mesh network enables autonomous swarm operations and network-centric strikes. Additionally, this network permits LUCAS to serve as a communication relay, a vital capability in contested environments where conventional communication channels may be disrupted.

The LUCAS system is estimated to cost approximately $100,000 per unit, which is markedly more economical than traditional United States drones, thus aligning with the Pentagon’s objectives regarding cost efficiency. Following successful testing, its readiness for production positions it for swift deployment alongside U.S. and allied forces, particularly in contexts that demand scalable, cost-effective strike capabilities. It embodies a harmonious combination of affordability, lethality, and adaptability. The swarm capabilities, facilitated through the MUSIC network, enable coordinated assaults capable of overwhelming adversary defences. Furthermore, its modular design extends its functional utility beyond kamikaze operations to include roles such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

The strategic significance of the drone is enhanced by its alignment with the United States’ defence priorities. In the Indo-Pacific region, where China’s expanding drone capabilities present a threat, LUCAS offers an economical countermeasure for distributed operations over extensive distances. Its capacity to operate autonomously or in swarms diminishes dependence on vulnerable centralised command structures, thus making it suitable for contested environments. Furthermore, its truck-mounted launch system enhances mobility, allowing for swift deployment from forward bases or allied territories.

Lucas’s introduction holds significance extending beyond the United States’ borders. Allies within NATO, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East, who are confronting comparable drone threats, are expected to demonstrate interest in procuring or jointly producing similar systems. Its cost-effectiveness and adaptability render it an appealing choice for nations that cannot afford advanced platforms such as the F-35 or MQ-9.

India’s Solutions for Low-Cost, High-Impact Drone Warfare

India, confronting analogous drone threats across its borders, has undertaken the development of its own economical yet impactful solutions for contemporary aerial warfare. A key component of India’s strategic response is the creation of indigenous loitering munitions, including the ALFA-S (Air-Launched Flexible Asset – Swarm), Nagastra-1, and the Tactical Advanced Platform for Aerial Surveillance (TAPAS-BH-201). Engineered with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness and scalability, these systems reflect the strategic principles underpinning America’s LUCAS.

Nagastra-1 is a domestically produced, man-portable loitering munition, often referred to as a “kamikaze drone.” Developed by Economic Explosives Limited, a subsidiary of Solar Industries, in collaboration with Z-Motion Autonomous Systems, it is engineered for reconnaissance missions and precision strikes, particularly in asymmetric operational environments.

ALFA-S, or Air-Launched Flexible Asset – Swarm, is an Indian project focused on developing a swarm of drones that can be launched from aircraft or ground launchers. It is part of the larger Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) initiative by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with NewSpace Research and Technologies. These drones are designed to operate autonomously, potentially performing tasks like high-altitude surveillance and precision strikes.

TAPAS-BH-201, also called Rustom-II, is an Indian MALE UAV created by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment. It is built for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.

India is also advancing its counter-drone capabilities through initiatives such as the DRDO’s D-4 Drone System. The D4 anti-drone system would constitute a comprehensive solution for detecting, tracking, and neutralising unauthorised drones, including micro and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It would employ a combination of radar, radio frequency detection, and electro-optical/infrared sensors for threat identification, and utilise both ‘soft kill’ methods, such as RF and GNSS jamming, as well as ‘hard kill’ techniques, including laser-based directed energy weapons, for neutralisation. The system would be engineered for deployment in both stationary and vehicle-mounted configurations.

Conclusion

The LUCAS kamikaze drone signifies a fundamental transformation in the United States’ defence strategy, responding to the worldwide proliferation of low-cost, high-impact aerial systems such as Iran’s Shahed-136. By integrating affordability, modular design, and sophisticated swarm functionalities through the MUSIC network, LUCAS offers a flexible solution for contemporary warfare, particularly in contested regions such as the Indo-Pacific. Its strategic congruence with cost-effective, attritable platforms strengthens the capacity of U.S. and allied forces to counter emerging drone threats. In a similar vein, India’s progress with systems such as Nagastra-1ALFA-S and TAPAS-BH-201 demonstrates a parallel dedication to innovative, scalable drone technologies. These initiatives highlight a global tendency toward economical, network-enabled systems that reinvent aerial combat. They not only address essential capability deficiencies but also herald a future where adaptable, distributed operational methods prevail, ensuring resilience against evolving threats.

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“Shocking Replica” Of Iranian UAV, Is U.S.’ Low-Cost, High-Impact LUCAS Derived From Shahed-136 Drone?

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Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

References:–

Army Recognition. “US Unveils LUCAS Kamikaze Drone to Counter Iran’s Shahed-136.” Army Recognition, July 17, 2025.

Defence Blog. “SpektreWorks’ LUCAS Drone Enters Production to Bolster US Capabilities.” Defence Blog, July 18, 2025.

Janes. “US Department of Defence Accelerates Attritable Drone Programs with LUCAS.” Jane’s Defence Weekly, July 19, 2025.

The Drive. “LUCAS: America’s New Loitering Munition to Counter Drone Threats.” The War Zone, July 16, 2025.

Breaking Defence. “Pentagon’s Hegseth Pushes for Expendable Drones with LUCAS as Model.” Breaking Defence, July 20, 2025.

SpektreWorks. “LUCAS: Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System.” SpektreWorks Official Website, July 2025.

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). “The Rise of Attritable Drones: Implications for US Defence Strategy.” CSIS Briefs, August 2024

International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). “Shahed-136 and the Global Proliferation of Loitering Munitions.” IISS Military Balance Blog, March 2025

U.S. Department of Defence. “DoD Directive on Unmanned Systems Acquisition and Classification.” July 2025.

Business Insider. (2025, July 18). A new American drone that showed up at the Pentagon looks a lot like the Shaheds Russia uses to bomb Ukraine.

The Economic Times. (2025, July 18). Did the US just clone Iran’s Shahed? All about LUCAS, America’s ‘cheap and deadly’ kamikaze drone.

BEL India. (n.d.). Anti-Drone System. Bharat Electronics Limited.

Economic Times. (2025, May 10). Bhargavastra: Watch India test low-cost drone killer that destroys swarms in seconds—The Economic Times.

HAL India. (n.d.). CATS – Combat Air Teaming System. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Times of India. (2025, June 14). The Army orders 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions; SDAL touts reusable, precision-strike capabilities. The Times of India.

July 24, 2025

710: SHAHEEN-3 MISSILE TEST FAILURE: A WAKE-UP CALL FOR PAKISTAN’S MISSILE PROGRAM

My article was published on “The EurasianTimes” website

on 24 Jul 25.

On July 22, 2025, Pakistan’s ambitious ballistic missile program experienced a notable setback and its strategic defence landscape was jolted, by the high-profile failure of its Shaheen-3 ballistic missile test. The incident, occurring near civilian settlements and in dangerously proximity to a primary nuclear site, has drawn national and international attention, not only over the technical reliability of Pakistan’s missile program but also concerning the safety of local populations and the geopolitical stability of South Asia.

The Missile. The Shaheen-III, developed by Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) in collaboration with the National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM), constitutes a fundamental component of the nation’s strategic defence capabilities. With an asserted range of 2,750 kilometers, this missile is engineered to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, thereby ranking among Pakistan’s most sophisticated systems. Its development is regarded as a strategic response to India’s expanding missile capabilities, including the Agni series, and aims to maintain deterrence within the volatile security environment of South Asia. The missile’s capacity to reach targets over an extensive geographical area highlights its strategic importance.

The Incident. The Shaheen-3 was launched from the Dera Ghazi Khan region in Punjab. According to multiple credible reports, the missile deviated from its planned trajectory shortly after launch and crashed in the Matt area of Dera Bugti district in Balochistan. The impact site was alarmingly close, approximately 500 meters, to civilian settlements and within the vicinity of a significant nuclear facility. Residents reported a powerful explosion near the Loop Seharani Levies Station, which was heard 20–50 kilometers away. Shockwaves of concern rippled through nearby communities, leading to scenes of panic and evacuation as locals rushed to distance themselves from a potential disaster. Social media platforms circulated videos and messages depicting the chaos.

Local Reaction. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a brief statement acknowledging the test but maintained that all safety standards were followed. The statement, however, lacked specifics about the cause of the failure or the environmental impact of the crash. This opacity has fuelled speculation and criticism, both domestically and internationally. Analysts point out that the absence of transparent reporting on such incidents undermines public confidence in Pakistan’s missile program and raises questions about the technical reliability of the Shaheen-III.

Safety and Security Concerns. The close call between the missile crash and a densely populated area, combined with the proximity to critical nuclear infrastructure, has highlighted serious safety and security vulnerabilities. Given Balochistan’s historical sensitivity due to both its restive population and strategic assets, the event stoked local and national anxieties about the risks associated with missile tests conducted in such areas. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, the potential for significant harm was evident. The magnitude of the blast, the risk of radioactive contamination, and the psychological fear instilled in the local population have all contributed to widespread condemnation and calls for more responsible test protocols.

Technical Reliability and Pattern of Failures. What makes this incident particularly concerning is its apparent repeat of past failures. Reports indicate that previous Shaheen-3 tests, including those in 2023, also resulted in accidents near nuclear or sensitive military infrastructure. This pattern of technical shortcomings raises fundamental questions over the actual operational reliability of Pakistan’s most far-reaching missile.

Reinforcement of US concerns. The timing of the failure is notably significant, occurring merely months after the United States imposed sanctions in December 2024 on entities associated with Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The United States expressed concerns regarding proliferation risks and the potential for missile technology to destabilise the region. This unsuccessful test is likely to intensify these concerns, supplying additional argumentation to critics who contend that Pakistan’s missile development suffers from insufficient oversight and technical maturity.

Strategic Significance. The Shaheen-3 is considered a central pillar of Pakistan’s deterrence strategy, designed to ensure that all major cities in India and beyond are within striking distance. The reliability of such a strategic asset is therefore crucial, not merely for defence planners in Islamabad but also for regional actors who closely monitor each development as part of a delicate balance of power. Its recent failures have reignited debate over the safety of ongoing missile development and testing in densely inhabited or strategically sensitive regions. The risk of sparking a larger geopolitical crisis, either by accident or escalation, is heightened whenever flaws in command, control, or technical functioning come to light. The failure of the Shaheen-3 test not only undermines the credibility of this deterrence strategy but also raises questions about the effectiveness of Pakistan’s missile program.

The Shaheen-III test failure is likely to have far-reaching consequences. For Pakistan, it represents a setback in its quest for a credible deterrent against regional rivals. For the international community, it underscores the challenges of managing proliferation risks in a region marked by intense strategic competition. It serves as a stark reminder of the serious risks associated with the testing and deployment of advanced ballistic missile technology in volatile environments. It exposes both persistent technical challenges and deep-rooted concerns over transparency and public safety. The incident has reignited discussion on the necessity of responsible stewardship over strategic assets, especially those capable of influencing the delicate balance of peace and security in the region, highlighting the importance of the issue.

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“Shockwaves” In Balochistan As Pakistan’s Nuclear-Capable Missile Crashes Near Nuclear Site; Shaheen-III Failure Sparks Concerns

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References:-

1.News Reports & Regional Media Coverage, The Balochistan Post (July 23, 2025), “Missile crash incident near Dera Bugti triggers panic among locals”

2.Associated Press. (2024, December 20). U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Entities Linked to Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program.

3.Dawn News. (2025, July 23). Shaheen-III Missile Test Fails, Crashes in Dera Bugti. Dawn.

4.Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). (2025, July 22). Official Statement on Shaheen-III Test Launch.

5.Khan, A. (2025, July 23). Local Residents Report Tremors, Debris from Missile Crash in Balochistan. The News International.

July 12, 2025

701: A NEW CHALLENGE: CHINA’S NON-NUCLEAR HYDROGEN BOMB

My Article was published on “The EurasianTimes” website on 12 Jul 25.

In April 2025, Chinese researchers made a significant breakthrough in military technology. They successfully tested a non-nuclear hydrogen-based explosive device, a creation of the 705 Research Institute of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). This innovative weapon, which uses magnesium hydride to produce a fireball several times longer than a comparable TNT explosion, is a departure from traditional hydrogen bombs that rely on nuclear fusion. Instead, it employs a chemical reaction to release hydrogen gas, igniting a sustained inferno without radioactive fallout. Initially designed for clean energy applications, this technology’s pivot to military use has sparked global intrigue and concern. Detailed in a paper in the Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance and reported by the South China Morning Post, this development signals a potential shift in modern warfare, raising questions about its strategic, ethical, and geopolitical implications.

The Technology Enabling the Device

At the heart of the device is magnesium hydride (MgH₂). This compound has been extensively studied for its potential in hydrogen storage due to its ability to release hydrogen gas upon heating. The explosive exploits this property by using a controlled chemical reaction to generate and ignite hydrogen gas, creating a fireball that exceeds 1,000°C in temperature and lasts over two seconds. This is 15 times longer than the thermal output of a traditional TNT-based explosive of comparable size. What distinguishes this explosive is its non-nuclear composition. Unlike thermonuclear hydrogen bombs that use nuclear fusion to generate devastating power and radiation, this device relies purely on chemical reactions. This enables intense thermal effects without the political and environmental consequences associated with nuclear weapons.

The sustained heat, lasting over two seconds compared to TNT’s fleeting 0.12-second flash, allows for extensive thermal damage across vast areas. According to CSSC scientist Wang Xuefeng, who led the research, “Hydrogen gas explosions ignite with minimal ignition energy, have a broad explosion range, and unleash flames that race outward rapidly while spreading widely.” This combination enables precise control over blast intensity, making the device suitable for both large-area thermal strikes and targeted attacks on high-value assets, such as communication hubs or fuel depots.

A significant barrier to the practical use of magnesium hydride has been its production. The material’s high reactivity poses risks of spontaneous combustion when exposed to air, historically limiting output to mere grams per day in controlled laboratory settings. However, a breakthrough in 2025 has changed this landscape. A new facility in Shaanxi province, operated by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, now produces 150 tonnes of magnesium hydride annually using a “one-pot synthesis” method. This safer, cost-effective process has overcome previous manufacturing challenges, enabling large-scale production and paving the way for both military and civilian applications. The ability to produce magnesium hydride at such volumes underscores China’s commitment to integrating this technology into its defence strategy.

Strategic Implications of the Device

The CSSC’s 705 Research Institute, renowned for its expertise in underwater weapons such as torpedoes and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), has positioned this device as a versatile tool for modern warfare. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it ideal for integration into various platforms, including drones, precision-guided munitions, and naval systems. Potential applications include the following:-

- Precision Thermal Strikes. The device’s prolonged fireball can incinerate logistics hubs, radar installations, or infantry formations, offering tactical flexibility in asymmetric conflicts. Its heat, capable of melting metals, could disable critical infrastructure without the widespread destruction of nuclear weapons.

- Area Denial. The sustained thermal effects could create temporary “no-go zones,” denying the enemy access to key routes, disrupting supply lines and communication. It may also serve as a deterrent due to its psychological impact.

- Naval Warfare. Integrated into torpedoes or UUVs, the device could deliver devastating heat-based damage to enemy vessels, potentially melting hulls or igniting fuel stores without nuclear fallout. This makes it a strategic asset for maritime dominance.

The device’s non-nuclear nature is a key advantage, as it avoids violating international nuclear treaties while delivering effects comparable to thermobaric weapons, which disperse fuel-air mixtures to create prolonged explosions. Compared to Russia’s TOS-1A “Buratino” rocket launcher, which relies on bulky delivery systems, the Chinese device’s compact design allows deployment via smaller platforms, enhancing its versatility.

Analytical Perspective.

Geopolitical Context. The timing of this test, amid escalating tensions with Taiwan, has amplified global concerns. China’s military modernisation and increased military spending reflect its focus on advanced technologies to assert regional dominance. The South China Morning Post suggests the device could be used in a Taiwan conflict to target underground defences or urban strongholds, drawing parallels to the U.S. Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon’s psychological and tactical impact. By delivering sustained heat to fortified positions, the device could disrupt command centers or incapacitate personnel, potentially shifting the balance in urban warfare scenarios.

Dual Use Approach. The development of the device also aligns with China’s broader strategy of integrating clean energy technologies into its military framework. Magnesium hydride’s potential as a fuel source for submarines or long-endurance drones suggests a dual-use approach, blending civilian innovation with defence applications.

Legal Aspects. The emergence of this technology also presents new challenges for international arms control and humanitarian law. Because the explosive is not nuclear, it may fall outside existing treaties, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) or the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This legal grey area could allow countries to develop and deploy such weapons without violating current international norms.

Ethical and Humanitarian Concerns. While the device avoids nuclear fallout, its similarity to thermobaric weapons raises ethical and legal questions. Thermobaric weapons, known for their devastating effects in urban environments, have faced criticism for causing indiscriminate harm, including severe internal injuries and oxygen depletion. The magnesium hydride device’s ability to produce prolonged, high-temperature fireballs could exacerbate these concerns, particularly if deployed in densely populated areas. Analysts warn that its use in conflicts could spark debates over battlefield ethics, especially given its potential to “fry electronics, melt armour, or torch an area for denial purposes.”

Global Reactions. The international community has reacted with apprehension. The U.S., already bolstering Taiwan’s defences, may view this as a challenge to its regional influence, potentially accelerating the arms race in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, China’s ability to scale up magnesium hydride production suggests that this technology could soon transition from experimental to operational, potentially reshaping military strategies worldwide.

Conclusion

China’s April 2025 test of a magnesium hydride-based explosive marks a critical juncture in military technology. Offering intense, sustained thermal effects without the liabilities of nuclear fallout, this new class of weaponry could redefine how nations conduct precision strikes and deter adversaries. While developed from clean energy research, its adaptation for warfare reveals the dual-use nature of modern scientific advancement. As this technology matures and potentially spreads, it may usher in a new era of warfare, one where energy science meets battlefield strategy, and where the line between conventional and unconventional weapons becomes increasingly blurred.

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Not Nuclear Or TNT, China’s H-Bomb May Spark Global Firestorm; Here’s Why It’s Much More Destructive

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References and credits

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References:-

Wang, Xuefeng, et al. “Development and Testing of a Non-Nuclear Hydrogen-Based Explosive Device Using Magnesium Hydride.” Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance, vol. 45, no. 2, April 2025, pp. 123-130.

“China Tests New Hydrogen-Based Explosive with Prolonged Thermal Effects.” South China Morning Post, 15 April 2025,

China State Shipbuilding Corporation. “Annual Report on Research and Development: 705 Research Institute.” CSSC, 2025.

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. “Breakthrough in Magnesium Hydride Production for Energy and Defence Applications.” Chinese Academy of Sciences, 10 March 2025,

“China’s Defence Budget Rises to USD 249 Billion in 2025.” Global Times, 5 March 2025, www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1304567.shtml.

Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance. (2025). Performance analysis of a hydrogen-based thermal explosive using magnesium hydride.
Li, H., & Zhao, Q. (2024). Dual-use technologies and military innovation in China. Journal of Strategic Studies, 38(2), 98–117.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). (2021). Incendiary weapons and international humanitarian law.

United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). (2020). Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and implications for non-nuclear weapon innovations.