United States Deploys New Drone Task Force To Middle East, Named

JAKARTA - The United States Central Command (US CENTCOM) whose territory covers the Middle East to South Asia region on Wednesday announced the formation of a new task force for the first US military-based attack drone squadron.

In a statement on its website, US CENTCOM launched a SATuration Task Force (TFSS) four months after War Minister Pete Hegseth directed the acceleration of acquisition and deployment of affordable drone technology.

CENTCOM said TFSS was designed to immediately bring effective and low-cost drone capabilities to the hands of the soldiers.

"This new task force sets conditions for using innovation as a deterrent," said CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, quoted from the US CENTCOM website (4/12).

"Equipping our skilled soldiers with cutting-edge drone capabilities is faster indicating innovation and military power of the US, which will prevent criminals," he added.

This new task force has formed a squadron of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones currently based in the Middle East.

The LUCAS drone deployed by CENTCOM has a wide range and is designed to operate autonomously.

These drones can be launched with various mechanisms, including catapults, take off with the help of rockets, as well as land systems and moving vehicles.

Earlier, US CENTCOM in September launched a Joint Rapid Employment (REJTF) Task Force led by its technology chief to accelerate the process of providing new capabilities for deployed troops.

This joint task force coordinates efforts to innovate between components of the Armed Forces in three focal areas: capabilities, software, and technology diplomacy.

TFSS' efforts to build a one-way attack drone squadron are led by personnel from Special Operations Command Central and are in line with the focus area of REJTF capabilities.