CENTCOM Launches Task Force Scorpion Strike, First One-Way Attack Drone Squadron in Middle East

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On December 3, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the establishment of Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS), a new initiative that marks the U.S. military’s first one-way-attack drone squadron in the Middle East. The creation of TFSS comes four months after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed the acceleration of acquiring and fielding affordable drone technology to meet evolving operational demands. This task force is designed to rapidly deliver low-cost, effective, and combat-ready drone capabilities directly into the hands of warfighters deployed across the region.

The squadron formed under TFSS is equipped with Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones, which are currently stationed in the Middle East. These drones are engineered to operate autonomously, providing extended range and flexibility for missions that require precision and endurance. LUCAS systems can be launched through multiple mechanisms, including catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, and mobile ground or vehicle platforms, ensuring adaptability in diverse combat environments.

Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, emphasized the strategic importance of the new task force, stating that innovation itself serves as a deterrent against adversaries. He noted that equipping warfighters faster with cutting-edge drone capabilities demonstrates U.S. military strength and technological superiority, sending a clear signal to potential aggressors. The deployment of LUCAS drones under TFSS highlights CENTCOM’s commitment to integrating advanced systems into operational theaters at unprecedented speed.

The announcement of TFSS follows the earlier launch of the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF) in September, which was established under CENTCOM’s chief technology officer. REJTF was created to streamline processes for outfitting deployed forces with emerging technologies, ensuring that innovation reaches the battlefield without delay. The joint task force coordinates efforts among Service components in three critical focus areas: capability, software, and tech diplomacy, reflecting a holistic approach to modernization.

TFSS’s mission to build and sustain the one-way-attack drone squadron aligns directly with REJTF’s capability focus area. Personnel from Special Operations Command Central are leading the effort, bringing specialized expertise in unconventional warfare and advanced technology integration. Their involvement ensures that the squadron is not only operationally effective but also strategically aligned with CENTCOM’s broader innovation framework.

The introduction of one-way-attack drones represents a significant shift in U.S. military doctrine, particularly in contested regions where cost-effective and autonomous systems can provide decisive advantages. By leveraging affordable platforms like LUCAS, CENTCOM is able to expand its operational reach while maintaining efficiency in resource allocation. This approach reflects a growing emphasis on scalable technologies that can be deployed rapidly and in large numbers to counter emerging threats.

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