US deploys one-way attack drones to the Middle East

The U.S. military has sent its first squadron of one-way attack drones to the Middle East, utilizing a U.S.-designed drone that is a modified version of Iran's Shahed drones. These Shahed drones have been used by Iran against Israel and by Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the creation of Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS) on Wednesday, marking the debut of this novel operational deployment by the U.S. military.

The introduction of these one-way drones highlights the impact of low-cost drone technology in modern warfare, especially following the conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Iran. The new deployment suggests a shift in how unmanned aerial systems are used in military strategies.

In a recent update, CENTCOM showcased the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones at a base within its operational region, with the drones seen on the tarmac on November 23, 2025. These drones, produced by SpektreWorks, are based on reverse-engineered designs of the Shahed-136, a delta-winged drone obtained by the U.S. years ago. According to a Department of Defense official, the drones cost $35,000 each and offer a cost-effective alternative to manned fighter aircraft, providing enhanced military capabilities at a fraction of the price.

Designed for long-range missions, the LUCAS drones can operate autonomously, and they can be launched via catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, or from mobile ground and vehicle systems. Although the exact number of drones being deployed remains undisclosed, they will be stationed at various locations throughout the Middle East.

What sets this deployment apart is the fact that the drone squadron does not belong to any specific military branch. Instead, it will be operated by a joint special operations unit under CENTCOMs command.

Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, emphasized the importance of this new task force, stating, This initiative sets the stage for using innovation as a deterrent. Providing our warfighters with cutting-edge drone capabilities quickly highlights U.S. military innovation and strength, which serves to deter adversaries.

In light of recent events, the deployment is seen as a response to the vulnerability of Irans missile defense systems, which were significantly damaged in a November attack by Israel. This has made it more difficult for Iran to defend against aerial threats, including one-way drone strikes. The U.S. military believes that the introduction of the new drone system will offer a more effective deterrent, especially when compared to manned aircraft, which would carry a higher risk in offensive operations.

The push for this deployment aligns with the Pentagon's "drone dominance" initiative, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which aims to accelerate the delivery of low-cost, efficient drones to U.S. forces, further enhancing their operational capabilities in the region.

Author: Zoe Harrison