U.S. Military Deploys New Drone Task Force in Middle East

The United States has officially launched a new one-way attack drone squadron under the authority of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This initiative includes Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS), designed specifically for rapid deployment and oversight within CENTCOM’s operational area.

Following orders from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth four months prior, an accelerated acquisition program focused on low-cost drones was initiated. The result is the establishment of a squadron equipped with Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) platforms. According to Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, CENTCOM’s spokesperson, these drones offer significant advantages due to their low cost—around $35,000 each—and extensive range, enabling operations beyond line-of-sight.

CENTCOM highlighted the capabilities of LUCAS drones in a press release, noting they are versatile platforms with various launch mechanisms including catapults and specialized systems. TFSS operates under the broader Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF), established to expedite the introduction of emerging technologies like drone swarms into military operations.

This deployment is viewed as a strategic warning against regional adversaries such as Iran. The use of coordinated drone groups, referred to in the text as drone swarms, has fundamentally changed modern warfare dynamics and was notably observed during conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine. Experts like Michael Kofman emphasize how these developments represent another inflection point in military strategy.

The U.S. military underscores that this innovation serves dual purposes: equipping forces faster while also acting as a deterrent against hostile actions.