ISLAMABAD: US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on December 3 a new task force for the US military’s first one-way-attack drone squadron based in the Middle East, said a post on X by US CENTCOM on Wednesday.
“CENTCOM launched Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS) four months after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed acceleration of the acquisition and fielding of affordable drone technology,” the post said.
Regarding the TFSS, it said that the task force is “designed to quickly deliver low cost and effective drone capabilities into the hands of warfighters,” adding it has “already formed a squadron of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones currently based in the Middle East.”
Extensive range, autonomous operation
The social media post said: “LUCAS drones deployed by CENTCOM have an extensive range and are designed to operate autonomously.”
“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,” says the post, quoting Admiral Bradley Cooper, the CENTCOM commander.
‘Cutting-edge drone capabilities’
“Equipping our skilled warfighters faster with cutting-edge drone capabilities showcases U.S. military innovation and strength, which deters bad actors.”
The post adds: “In September, CENTCOM launched the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF) led by its chief technology officer to fast-track processes for outfitting deployed forces with emerging capabilities.”
“The joint task force is coordinating innovation efforts among Service components in three focus areas: capability, software, and tech diplomacy.”
“TFSS’s efforts to build the one-way-attack drone squadron are led by personnel from Special Operations Command Central and align with REJTF’s capability focus area,” the post said.
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