U.S. Central Command is establishing a multinational task force centered on one-way attack drones operating across air and maritime domains, expanding an effort it began late last year to integrate the systems across the force.
The new organization, Task Force Falcon Strike, will employ unmanned systems operating above, on and below the sea. It will be supported by U.S. military personnel and regional partners, CENTCOM said in a Thursday release. The command has begun consulting with and formally inviting regional partners to participate, with the stated aim of creating a “unified multi-domain, multinational deterrent” across the Middle East.
Building on Scorpion Strike
Falcon Strike follows the December 2025 creation of Task Force Scorpion Strike, a Middle East-based unit equipped with one-way attack drones. CENTCOM formed that earlier task force as it sought to integrate drone technology across the services.
According to the command, Scorpion Strike became the first unit to launch an aerial attack drone from a U.S. Navy warship in December, the same month it was announced. CENTCOM also said the task force deployed one-way unmanned aerial systems during Operation Epic Fury and used unmanned attack vessels in July strikes on Iranian port facilities.
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.
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander
Regional participation undisclosed
CENTCOM did not identify the regional partners it is working with on Falcon Strike. Personnel from U.S. Special Operations Command Central at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, will lead the task force staff, which will include U.S. and regional representatives. The organization previously launched Scorpion Strike, according to the release.
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.
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander
The announcement comes as the United States continues its war with Iran, a conflict that has depleted U.S. munitions stocks and prompted military leaders to consider developing cheaper anti-drone technology at a faster pace, according to the report.
