U.S. Launches Multinational Attack Drone Task Force in Middle East

The U.S. military is establishing a new multinational task force to integrate one-way attack drone capabilities with regional allies, marking a significant expansion of its unmanned systems strategy in the Middle East. The initiative, named Task Force Falcon Strike, was announced by U.S. Central Command on August 13, 2026.

Falcon Strike is designed to build upon the model of Task Force Scorpion Strike, the U.S. military's first dedicated one-way attack drone squadron in the region, which was established nine months prior. The new task force will move beyond a singular focus on aerial drones to incorporate unmanned systems operating above, on, and below the sea, creating a unified, multidomain deterrent.

"Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike's success given the tremendous innovation happening among our regional allies and partners," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command. "Integrating and deploying our new capabilities together will help us rapidly realize the new possibilities that are on the horizon."

The announcement follows operational milestones achieved by Scorpion Strike. The unit conducted the first launch of an aerial attack drone...