Key Points
- U.S. Central Command has launched Task Force Scorpion Strike to area the army’s first one-way‑assault drone squadron within the Middle East.
- The activity drive is deploying Low‑value Unmanned Combat Attack System drones designed for autonomous lengthy‑vary strike missions.
The U.S. army has activated its first one-way-attack drone squadron below a brand new activity drive primarily based within the Middle East, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) introduced on December 3.
The transfer comes 4 months after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth ordered an accelerated push to area reasonably priced unmanned methods able to delivering decisive results in contested theaters.
The new unit, Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS), is tasked with deploying low-cost, autonomous strike drones to assist ahead operations within the area. According to CENTCOM, TFSS has already stood up a drone squadron constructed across the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, or LUCAS — a platform designed to execute one-way assault missions in opposition to enemy targets.
– ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW –
“These drones are designed to function autonomously, and they are often launched with totally different mechanisms together with catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, and cellular floor and car methods,” CENTCOM mentioned in an announcement.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, described the launch of TFSS as a step towards utilizing “innovation as a deterrent.”
“Equipping our expert warfighters sooner with cutting-edge drone capabilities showcases U.S. army innovation and energy, which deters dangerous actors,” Cooper mentioned.
CENTCOM’s newest initiative builds on the September launch of the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF), created below the command’s chief know-how officer. The joint activity drive was set as much as fast-track the deployment of rising applied sciences to U.S. forces working throughout CENTCOM’s space of duty. It focuses on three precedence areas: functionality integration, software program improvement, and what CENTCOM refers to as “tech diplomacy.”
TFSS’s formation and operational focus align instantly with REJTF’s functionality space. Personnel from U.S. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) are main the event of the one-way-attack drone squadron, highlighting the precedence positioned on versatile, quickly deployable instruments for particular operations forces.
The LUCAS drone is described as an autonomous system with prolonged operational vary. Designed for low-cost precision strikes, it provides one other layer of lethality to CENTCOM’s portfolio of unmanned methods working within the area. Officials say these platforms provide new choices for concentrating on adversary belongings whereas minimizing threat to manned forces.
While CENTCOM has not launched footage or additional particulars in regards to the LUCAS system’s particular payload or strike capabilities, officers emphasised the duty drive’s function in getting these platforms instantly into the arms of operators.
“This new activity drive units the situations for utilizing innovation as a deterrent,” Cooper mentioned.
