The US is ramping up its focus on affordable, one-way attack drones with a new presence in the Middle East

The United States has established a new task force dedicated to one-way attack drones in the Middle East. This new initiative, known as Task Force Scorpion Strike, has deployed a squadron of Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones. These drones bear similarities to the Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions. The LUCAS drone designs were first revealed at the Pentagon earlier this year.

According to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM), the drones are already operational in the region. The announcement was made just one day after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth outlined his "drone dominance" strategy, which includes a $1 billion investment over the next two years. This investment will focus on the production and deployment of hundreds of thousands of inexpensive attack drones, reflecting their growing importance in modern warfare.

Task Force Scorpion Strike, under CENTCOM's guidance, is now fielding these low-cost drones, which are capable of long-range missions and feature autonomous capabilities. The drones can be launched from various systems, including catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff platforms, and mobile ground or vehicle-based systems. Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM's commander, emphasized that providing fast access to advanced drone technology for US forces showcases the military's innovative strength and serves as a deterrent to potential adversaries.

During a recent demonstration at the Pentagon, footage revealed a number of these drones lined up on the tarmac at an undisclosed location in the region. The LUCAS drones are American-made alternatives to loitering munitions such as Iran's Shahed-136, which has been widely used by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine's cities and critical infrastructure. These Iranian-designed drones have become a key component of Russia's airstrike tactics, often paired with missiles in large-scale assaults to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses.

The success of Shahed-style drones has captured the attention of US Army leadership. In October, the commander of the Army's 25th Infantry Division based in Hawaii noted that such low-cost drones, which are easy to produce and assemble, represent exactly the type of capability the Army seeks for the Indo-Pacific region. At the Pentagon's July display, a fact sheet from American engineering firm SpektreWorks highlighted that the Shahed-style LUCAS drones could serve as a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to traditional munitions or aircraft, providing a valuable tool for US forces in the region.

The US military's push to increase drone production has been a central focus of recent defense strategies, especially in response to the growing use of drones by global adversaries like Russia and China. The Trump administration emphasized the importance of expanding drone production capabilities to stay competitive in modern warfare. President Donald Trump has previously commented on the cost-effectiveness and lethality of Iranian drones, citing their relatively low price of $35,000 to $40,000 each and their significant impact in the conflict in Ukraine.

The Pentagon continues to increase its funding for drone technologies, recognizing their potential as force multipliers, low-cost strike options, and effective tools for extending surveillance reach on the battlefield.

Author: Grace Ellison