By: Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has unveiled Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS), the first dedicated one-way-attack drone squadron in the Middle East, signaling a major shift in U.S. drone warfare strategy. TFSS, overseen by U.S. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), is already operational with the Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones, which feature autonomous operation, extensive range and versatile launch platforms such as catapults and mobile systems.
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper emphasized that TFSS equips U.S. forces with cutting-edge capabilities to deter adversaries, building on the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF) launched in September 2025. The initiative aligns with the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance program under Secretary Pete Hegseth, which plans to acquire hundreds of thousands of low-cost drones in four phases beginning in early 2026. Initial orders are for 30,000 units at $5,000 each, based on the Replicator program that prioritizes speed and economy over traditional high-cost platforms.
While the current number of drones is not massive, TFSS marks a scalable step toward massed drone operations in the CENTCOM region, aimed at countering threats from Iran-backed forces. This move underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to rapidly deploying affordable, attritable drones to maintain dominance and flexibility in complex operational environments.