US Drone Unit in the Middle East Becomes Operational
Bloomberg News reported that the first unit of the US Army’s suicide drones, which was deployed in the Middle East in December of this year, has now reached operational readiness.
According to American officials, this unit is prepared to participate in potential operations against Iran if Donald Trump decides to carry out attacks.
The unit, known as Task Force Scorpion, operates under the US Central Command, CENTCOM, and was established following the Trump administration’s directive to expedite the production and deployment of low-cost drones.
The Lucas drones, each costing around $35,000, are designed for unilateral reconnaissance and maritime operations. They are developed inspired by the Iranian Shahed 136 drone. These drones are effective against dispersed and less fortified targets like missile production facilities and launch sites, but they are not suitable for fortified targets.
CENTCOM has announced that the drones in this unit, with long-range capabilities, can operate independently and can be launched using various mechanisms, including rocket catapults or ground and vehicle systems. These movements coincide with ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Geneva.