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US Central Command forms first multinational attack drone task force
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The US Central Command (Centcom) has announced the formation of Task Force Falcon Strike, the US military's first multinational and multidomain attack drone unit. The task force will integrate one-way attack drones operated by US forces and partner nations, deploying uncrewed systems from above, on, and below the sea. This initiative follows the success of Task Force Scorpion Strike, launched nine months earlier, which pioneered one-way attack drone operations in the region, including the US Navy's first aerial drone launch from a warship and strikes using unmanned vessels. Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that the new task force will expand on Scorpion Strike's success by integrating capabilities with regional allies to create a coordinated deterrent posture. Personnel from US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) will oversee the task force. The move aligns with US investments in drone technology, including a $53.6 billion budget proposal for uncrewed and autonomous systems.
Source report
The US Central Command (Centcom) has initiated the formation of Task Force Falcon Strike, the nation's first multinational and multidomain attack drone unit.
According to Centcom, Task Force Falcon Strike will integrate one-way attack drones operated by US forces and partner nations, with uncrewed systems deployed from above, on, and below the sea.
Background and Precedent
The move comes nine months after Centcom launched Task Force Scorpion Strike, which the command described as the US military's first specialized one-way attack drone squadron in the region.
Centcom stated that Scorpion Strike had rapidly advanced unmanned attack capabilities, beginning with the US Navy's first launch of an aerial attack drone from a warship in December. The unit also:
- Employed one-way drones during Operation Epic Fury
- Carried out strikes in July against Iranian port facilities using unmanned vessels
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Centcom Commander Navy Admiral Brad Cooper said:
"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 extended formal invitations to regional partners and has opened consultations to facilitate their participation. As regional allies join, the intention is for Task Force Falcon Strike to help scale allied and US attack drone capabilities across the region into a coordinated deterrent posture.
Cooper added:
"The United States military has a lot of strong partnerships and friends in the region. We are collectively stronger when we integrate and deploy new capabilities together."
Oversight and Operational Scope
Personnel from US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), which led Scorpion Strike, will oversee the new task force. SOCCENT, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, conducts special operations throughout Centcom's 21-country area of responsibility, which encompasses the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.
Alignment with Broader Defense Investments
Task Force Falcon Strike's creation aligns with ongoing US investments in drone and autonomous system development. The 2027 presidential budget proposal includes $53.6 billion for procurement, domestic production, and advanced capabilities for uncrewed and autonomous systems, reflecting the military's focus on drone technology.
Source
Army TechnologyWestern
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U.S. CENTCOM Launches Multinational Attack Drone Task Force in Middle East