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.

Author: Chloe Ramirez