CENTCOM deploys new 'suicide drone' attack team in Middle East

The U.S. Central Command has confirmed the establishment of a specialized task force in the Middle East, equipped to operate one-way attack drones. Named Task Force Scorpion Strike, the unit comes four months after a directive from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth encouraged the rapid adoption of drone technology across all branches of the military.

Task Force Scorpion Strike is currently outfitted with a fleet of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones. These drones, featuring a simple yet durable design with an approximate wingspan of 8 feet, can be deployed flexibly as guided munitions. Developed by SpektreWorks in the U.S., LUCAS drones are inspired by Irans Shahed-136 and are capable of coordinated swarm operations.

The LUCAS drones are based on a captured and damaged Shahed drone, reverse-engineered by U.S. defense developers to create a functional autonomous weapon. These drones can be launched from multiple platforms including trucks, catapults, and rocket-assisted systems, enabling precision explosive strikes.

Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, stated, This task force demonstrates how innovation can serve as a deterrent. Providing warfighters with advanced drone capabilities quickly reflects U.S. military ingenuity and strengthens our regional posture.

Staffed by Special Operations Command personnel, the task force collaborates closely with a CENTCOM technology unit launched in September, aimed at rapidly integrating autonomous systems and other new technologies for field operations. The deployment of LUCAS drones marks a strategic shift toward cost-effective aerial systems designed to counter Iranian air capabilities in the region.

Author: Connor Blake