The U.S. military has officially stood up its first squadron of one-way attack drones in the Middle East. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the creation of Task Force Scorpion Strike on Tuesday, marking a strategic shift toward rapidly fielding cheaper, disposable autonomous weapons.
The move follows a directive issued four months ago by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to accelerate the acquisition of affordable unmanned systems.
The new unit uses “LUCAS” (Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System) drones, which are designed for autonomous operation and have an extensive range. Unlike traditional aircraft, these drones do not require runways; troops can launch them via catapults, rocket assists, or mobile ground vehicles.
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Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, described the initiative as a way to use “innovation as a deterrent” against regional adversaries.
“Equipping our skilled warfighters faster with cutting-edge drone capabilities showcases U.S. military innovation and strength,” Cooper said.
The effort is being spearheaded by personnel from Special Operations Command Central. It falls under the wider umbrella of the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force, a body created in September to cut through bureaucracy and modernize deployed forces with emerging technology.
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