U.S. Military Deploys First-Ever Drone Squadron Against Iran in Middle East

The United States military has deployed its first dedicated one-way attack drone squadron, part of a strategic effort under the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), specifically targeting Iranian-backed forces in the volatile region.

The task force was established four months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered an accelerated push for low-cost drone systems to enhance battlefield capabilities against adversaries like Iran and its proxies. The unit has already fielded a squadron of low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones, designed as part of CENTCOM’s broader strategy to counter threats without significant investment in expensive traditional aircraft.

Each LUCAS drone costs approximately $35,000 per platform, making them significantly more affordable than comparable U.S. long-range systems that were previously necessary for similar missions. The system’s impressive range and beyond-line-of-sight operation capabilities offer substantial advantages across CENTCOM’s extensive area of responsibility.

This initiative operates under the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF), which was created in September to streamline deployment processes for emerging technologies like drone swarms or “UAS groups.” These coordinated unmanned aerial vehicles represent a transformative approach reshaping modern warfare, as seen particularly during operations involving Russia and Ukraine where drone swarms have demonstrated their effectiveness.

“The war has reached another inflection point,” said Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace regarding drone usage trends globally. “This deployment by CENTCOM is part of adapting military technology to current conflicts.”

The new squadron serves as a pointed warning, showcasing U.S. innovation and readiness against regional threats.