As the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced via X, the first disposable drone squadron of the US military has been established in the Middle East. CENTCOM is the regional command responsible for the Middle East, East Africa and Central Asia. The current commander is Admiral Brad Cooper of the US Navy.
– U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 3, 2025
CENTCOM launched Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS) four months after U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth accelerated the procurement and deployment of low-cost drone technology. TFSS is designed to quickly provide low-cost, effective drone capabilities to deployed forces.
The Lucas drones used by CENTCOM have long ranges and are designed for autonomous operation. They can be launched by catapult, rocket-assisted launch and via mobile ground and vehicle systems.
“This new task force sets the stage for using innovation as a deterrent,” said Admiral Brad Cooper. “Equipping our soldiers with state-of-the-art drone capabilities more quickly demonstrates the innovation and strength of the U.S. military – and deters potential attackers.”
Back in September, CENTCOM launched the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF), led by the Chief Technology Officer, to accelerate the delivery of new capabilities to the armed forces. The joint task force is coordinating innovation efforts across all branches of the armed forces in the areas of capabilities, software and technology diplomacy, according to CENTCOM. The TFSS’s work to establish a one-way strike drone squadron is led by Special Operations Command Central and aligns with the REJTF’s capabilities focus.
Where the disposable drone squadron is stationed has not been disclosed. One possible location would be the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, from which the entire Persian Gulf up to the Strait of Hormuz can be covered.
Lucas kamikaze drone
The low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (Lucas) comes from the US company Spektre Works and was unveiled in July. The drone is very similar to the Iranian Shahed-136 – it is practically a clone. Officially, it is based on the FLM 136 target drone, which Spektre Works describes on its website as “reverse-engineered” in order to simulate a realistic threat situation.
The target drone is 3 meters long, has a wingspan of 2.5 meters and is powered by a 215 cc engine. The cruising speed is said to be around 100 km/h, with a top speed of around 160 km/h. The take-off weight is 81.5 kilograms, the payload is 18 kilograms and the flight time is around six hours. Data on the Lucas kamikaze drone itself is not public. During the presentation to Minister Hegseth, the cost per drone was quoted at the equivalent of just under 35,000 euros.
In August, the US company Griffon Aerospace presented another Shahed clone, the MQM-172 Arrowhead. The MQM-172 is described as a high-performance target drone and a configurable attack drone with payloads of up to around 50 kg.
Here for further reports on the US armed forces and here for our drone topic area with all the latest news on the subject.
