CENTCOM Deploys First One-Way Drone Squadron to Middle East
The U.S. military has fielded its first squadron of one-way attack drones to the Middle East under Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS), according to United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
The unit operates Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones, derived from Shahed models used by Tehran and Moscow. The U.S. captured a damaged Shahed drone a few years ago, and a team of American companies worked to reverse-engineer it, leading to the creation of LUCAS.
Each drone reportedly costs about $35,000 and can be launched from multiple platforms.
“LUCAS drones deployed by CENTCOM have an extensive range and are designed to operate autonomously,” a press release by CENTCOM said “They can be launched with different mechanisms to include catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, and mobile ground and vehicle systems.”
“This new task force sets the conditions for using innovation as a deterrent,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “Equipping our skilled warfighters faster with cutting-edge drone capabilities showcases U.S. military innovation and strength, which deters bad actors.”
A defense official cited by ABC News said Israel’s attack on Iran in November severely disabled Iran’s sophisticated missile air defense systems, leaving it far less capable of countering air threats, including one-way drone attacks.
“We are essentially flipping the script on Iran,” the official added, noting that the new drone system is a more effective deterrent because it carries less risk than using manned aircraft for offensive operations.
The official declined to specify how many drones have been deployed, saying only that “many” are already in operation, with more units expected as production increases.
CENTCOM established the TFSS four months after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth ordered the accelerated acquisition and deployment of affordable drone technology.
