DRONE TASK FORCE: CENTCOM Launches First-Ever Multinational Attack Drone Unit

U.S. Central Command announced the establishment of Task Force Falcon Strike, a multinational attack drone unit comprising U.S. Forces and regional partners operating unmanned systems across air, sea surface, and subsurface domains in the Middle East.

The task force expands on Task Force Scorpion Strike, which CENTCOM created nine months earlier as the military's first dedicated one-way attack drone squadron in the region. Scorpion Strike achieved several operational milestones, including the first aerial attack drone launch from a U.S. Navy warship in December and deployment of one-way unmanned aerial systems during Operation Epic Fury. The squadron also employed unmanned attack vessels during strikes on Iranian port facilities in July.

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated: "Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike's success given the tremendous innovation happening among our regional allies and partners. Integrating and deploying our new capabilities together will help us rapidly realize the new possibilities that are on the horizon."

CENTCOM has begun consulting with and formally inviting regional partners to participate. As additional countries join, the task force is intended to integrate attack-drone capabilities across the region into a unified multinational and multi-domain force. Personnel from U.S. Special Operations Command Central, which established Scorpion Strike, will lead Falcon Strike's staff of American and regional representatives.