US establishes single-directional assault drone squadron in the Middle East following the reverse engineering of an Iranian drone.

After enduring repeated drone attacks from Iran and affiliated groups over the past two years, the US military is establishing its inaugural one-way attack drone unit in the Middle East. These drones incorporate designs and technology derived from Iranian models.

The squadron operates under a newly formed task force under US Central Command, called Task Force Scorpion Strike. The drones, named Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS), were developed after reverse-engineering a captured Iranian Shahed drone, according to a US defense official. Notably, Shahed drones have also been used by Russia in its conflict in Ukraine.

The LUCAS drones deployed by CENTCOM have extensive operational range and are capable of autonomous missions, CENTCOM stated on Wednesday. They can be launched using multiple methods, including catapults, rocket-assisted takeoffs, and mobile ground or vehicle systems.

The exact location of the squadron within the Middle East has not been disclosed. The US military has intensified efforts to enhance its drone capabilities, as unmanned systems have played a central role in conflicts across the Middle East and Ukraine.

Iran and its proxies have repeatedly targeted US bases in the region, particularly after the Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023. One such attack on a base in Jordan resulted in the deaths of three US service members. Additionally, Iran-backed Houthi forces have continuously launched drones and missiles at commercial shipping in the Red Sea. In 2024, Iran fired around 170 drones and more than 120 ballistic missiles toward Israel, most of which were intercepted.

During one nighttime assault, US forces intercepted 70 drones and three missiles, with two airmen receiving Silver Stars for their actions. A US defense official admitted that reliance on larger, costlier precision systems previously put American forces at a disadvantage against inexpensive drone technology, but emphasized that the new squadron is intended to reverse this trend.

The official did not disclose the exact number of drones in the Middle East squadron but confirmed there are many with additional units expected. Each LUCAS drone costs approximately $35,000, significantly less than traditional US weapon systems. The captured Iranian Shahed drone was initially damaged, and a collaboration of US companies analyzed it to create the LUCAS model.

Task Force Scorpion Strike, which oversaw the drone development, comprises nearly two dozen personnel led by Special Operations Command Central members. Not all members are stationed in the Middle East.

This new task force establishes a framework for using innovative technology as a strategic deterrent, said Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, in the release.

Analysis: US Military's New Drone Squadron in the Middle East

The establishment of a one-way attack drone unit by the US military in response to Iranian drone attacks marks a significant shift in military tactics in the Middle East. The unit, part of Task Force Scorpion Strike under US Central Command (CENTCOM), represents a strategic adaptation to the evolving threat posed by Iranian and proxy drone technology. By leveraging reverse-engineered Iranian Shahed drones, the US has developed the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS), which is not only cost-effective but also capable of executing autonomous missions over long distances. This decision highlights the importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern conflict, offering a less expensive alternative to traditional weapon systems.

The LUCAS drones are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the US military’s capabilities against increasingly sophisticated drone warfare from adversaries in the region. The use of Shahed drone technology by both Iran and Russia underscores the global proliferation of these systems, making it imperative for the US to innovate rapidly in order to stay ahead of adversaries. This move by CENTCOM is likely to have a lasting impact on future military operations, as cost-effective, high-tech drones will allow for more flexible and responsive strategies.

Moreover, the operational flexibility of the LUCAS drones, with multiple launch methods including catapults and rocket-assisted takeoffs, reflects a shift toward adaptable, versatile solutions for modern warfare. While the full details of the squadron's deployment remain undisclosed, the development of this task force signals the US’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge in the region. The squadron's establishment also addresses a crucial vulnerability, as US forces have faced challenges when confronting inexpensive, mass-produced drones with more costly, precision-targeted systems.

In conclusion, the formation of Task Force Scorpion Strike and the deployment of LUCAS drones serve as a clear indication that the US military is pivoting toward more affordable and autonomous drone technology in response to the growing threat of Iranian-backed drone attacks. As this technology continues to evolve, it may reshape the dynamics of warfare in the Middle East and beyond, offering a scalable solution to countering threats from increasingly advanced unmanned systems.

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• US sets up one-way attack drone squadron in the Middle East after reverse-engineering Iranian drone