Central Command Has Announced the Start of Work to Establish the First Multinational "One-way Attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicle" Task Force

The unit, to be named the "Falcon Strike Task Force, is planned to consolidate one-way attack UAV capabilities across the Middle East under a single umbrella. In a statement on its account on the U.S.-based social media platform X, CENTCOM provided details on efforts to establish the first multi-domain and multinational one-way attack UAV task force. According to the statement, the Falcon Strike Task Force will employ one-way attack UAVs consisting of unmanned systems capable of operating at sea, above the sea, and underwater.

It was noted that these systems will be operated by military support personnel from the U.S. and regional partners. CENTCOM reported that it has begun formal invitation and consultation processes for regional partners. With partner participation, the task force aims to combine attack UAV capabilities across the Middle East into a single structure, transforming it into a multi-domain and multinational deterrent force.

The CENTCOM statement also referenced the Scorpion Strike Task Force, announced nine months ago. It said that task force, which operates the first one-way attack UAV fleet deployed by the U.S. in the Middle East, has achieved its operational objectives. CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper said the new task force will contribute to expanding on the success of the Scorpion Strike Task Force.

"Integrating and deploying our new capabilities will help us rapidly realize new possibilities on the horizon, he said. Cooper noted that major innovations with regional allies and partners will be instrumental in establishing the Falcon Strike Task Force. The statement added that officials from U.S. Central Command Special Operations Forces (SOCCENT) who were involved in establishing the Scorpion Strike Task Force will also lead efforts for the new task force.