U.S. Central Command Launches First Multinational Task Force for Attack Drones
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced efforts to form the first multinational, multi-domain task force dedicated to operations using armed unmanned aerial systems.
This unit, named Task Force Falcon Strike, will employ single-domain armed unmanned systems, including unmanned aerial, surface, and undersea platforms, operated by U.S. military support crews alongside regional partners.
The launch of Task Force Falcon Strike follows nine months after CENTCOM established Task Force Scorpion Strike, the first U.S. military squadron dedicated to single-domain armed unmanned systems in the Middle East. Scorpion Strike achieved significant operational milestones rapidly, including the first launch of an armed unmanned system from a U.S. Navy warship last December. The squadron also employed single-domain unmanned aerial systems during Operation Epic Fury and in strikes targeting Iranian port facilities in July, using unmanned surface attack vessels.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said, “Task Force Falcon Strike will be built on the success of Scorpion Strike, recognizing the tremendous innovation occurring within our allies’ and regional partners’ ranks.”
He added, “Integrating and jointly deploying our new capabilities will help us realize emerging potential rapidly.”
CENTCOM has begun consultations with regional partners and issued formal invitations. Upon their official accession, Task Force Falcon Strike will expand the reach of armed unmanned systems capabilities across the Middle East, forming a unified, multinational, multi-domain deterrent force.
Cooper stated, “The U.S. military has many strong partnerships and friendships in the region,” adding, “We are stronger together when we integrate and deploy new capabilities jointly.”
Personnel from U.S. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), which previously launched Task Force Scorpion Strike, will lead the Falcon Strike crew, composed of U.S. and regional representatives.
SOCCENT is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, and is responsible for planning and executing special operations within the CENTCOM area of responsibility, which covers 21 countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.
