Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones are positioned on the tarmac of an undisclosed base under CENTCOM jurisdiction, on Nov. 23, 2025. (Credit: @CENTCOM/X)
The United States announced Wednesday that it has deployed its first squadron of one-way attack drones, or kamikaze drones, in the Middle East as part of a new Task Force created by the U.S. Central Command for the region (CENTCOM).
The kamikaze drones, equipped with explosives, have appeared more and more frequently in armed conflicts of recent years, especially in Sudan, by Houthis in the Red Sea, and between Russia and Ukraine.
Although relatively slow and not very maneuverable, they are often deployed in large numbers, forcing targeted countries to defend broad areas of their airspace to intercept them. They are also often inexpensive, and a U.S. Defense Department official told ABC News that the price of those deployed in the Middle East is around $35,000 each.
Based on the Iranian Shahed-136 model
In its statement, CENTCOM said it had launched Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS), four months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the acceleration of acquiring and deploying low-cost drone technologies.
The new structure aims to quickly provide U.S. forces with " low-cost and effective drone capabilities," according to CENTCOM. The TFSS has already formed a squadron of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones, which are now based in the Middle East.
These devices have a long range, can operate autonomously, and can be launched by several means, including catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff, or from mobile ground and vehicle platforms.
A Defense Department official cited by ABC News noted that these LUCAS drones are based on Iranian delta-wing Shahed-136 drone models, which were obtained several years ago. However, the model has been "improved," according to this official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and the squadron will be deployed in several locations across the Middle East, without specifying where or how many.
"This new Task Force creates the conditions to use innovation as a means of deterrence," said Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM. "Equipping our soldiers more quickly with advanced drones demonstrates our innovative capability and strength, which deters malicious actors."
The TFSS's efforts to develop the one-way attack drone squadron are being directed by staff from Special Operations Command for the Middle East.
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