On August 13, 2026, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the creation of the first multi-domain and multinational task force dedicated to attack drones: the Task Force Falcon Strike.

Details of the new unit

• Multi-domain operations: The force will employ one-way attack drones, utilizing unmanned systems operating above, on, and below the sea surface.
• Joint force: Operations will see the collaboration of U.S. military support personnel and representatives from regional partners.
• Leadership and command: The task force will be led by personnel from the U.S. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) — headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa — along with regional delegates. The SOCCENT coordinates special operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, which spans 21 countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.

From the foundations of Scorpion Strike to regional expansion

The launch of Falcon Strike comes nine months after the establishment of the Task Force Scorpion Strike, the first squadron dedicated to one-way attack drones in U.S. military history in the Middle East.

In recent months, Scorpion Strike has achieved significant operational milestones:

• The first-ever launch of an air attack drone from a U.S. Navy warship last December.
• The deployment of unmanned aerial systems during Operation Epic Fury.
• The use of unmanned surface attack vessels during raids against Iranian port facilities in July.

Towards a unified deterrent

Leveraging the success and innovation of regional partners, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, emphasized how the new task force aims to integrate and deploy new technological capabilities jointly.

The CENTCOM has already initiated consultations to officially invite area partners: as various countries formally join, Falcon Strike will expand its attack capabilities to become a multinational and multi-domain unified deterrent throughout the Middle East.