Below the reader will find recent news about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are used in conflicts (Ukraine, Africa, etc.), new developments in drone use, and training by military units for using drones during combat operations. Curated articles on the topics below are provided:
- Featured Topic – Task Force Scorpion Strike (CENTCOM)
- SOF and Drones – Multiple Articles
- Video – SOF and the Switchblade Drone
- SOF’s Reaper Mothership
- SOF and Loitering Munitions
- Drone Networks for SOF
- 5th SFG(A) and 101st Abn Div – Operation Lethal Eagle
- More Drone News
- MQ-9 Reaper Lost in Korea
- US Army’s Future C-sUAS Interceptor Program
- Essay – Transformation of War
- DoD Scaling Up Drone Production
- 11th Airborne Division and UAS Experimentation
- US Army and Drone Development
- UAVs in Maritime Battlespace
- The “Octopus” in Ukraine’s Air Defenses
Featured Topic: Task Force Scorpion Strike (CENTCOM)
On December 3, 2025, CENTCOM announced that a one-way-attack drone squadron was now based in the Middle East. Called Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS), the organization is an effort to provide low cost and effective drone capabilities into the hands of the warfighters. The first squadron is formed up with Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones. These drones can be launched with different mechanisms – to include catapults, rocket-assist, and mobile ground and vehicle systems. Special Operations Command Central will be playing a role in the deployment and employment of the TFSS drones. “U.S. Launches One-Way-Attack Drone Force in the Middle East”, CENTCOM.mil, December 3, 2025.
Top Image. Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones are positioned on the tarmac at a base in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operating area, Nov. 23, 2025. The LUCAS platforms are part of a one-way attack drone squadron CENTCOM recently deployed to the Middle East to strengthen regional security and deterrence. (Courtesy Photo DoD)
SOF and Drones
Video – SOF and the Switchblade Drone. The history SOF using small drones is revealed in this video. Learn how AFSOC had AeroVironment come up with the Switchblade drone that is backpack portable that can provide real-time video as well as employ munitions.
SOF’s Reaper Mothership. A $50 million contract has been awarded to Andurill Industries that will produce drones for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). These drones, the Altius 600, can be launched from the Reaper to be used as sensor, provide battlefield intelligence, or act as communications relays for SOF teams that are deployed forward. “Air Force Wants to Transform the MQ-9 Reaper Into a Drone Mothership for its Special Operators”, Sandboxx, December 5, 2025.
SOF and Loitering Munitions. The character of conflict has changed which has exposed a critical vulnerability within the small tactical unit. SOF ground units lack and organic and expeditious package that is capable of conducting precision strikes and providing ISR. “Loitering Munitions in Modern Combat: Addressing Tactical Gaps at the Small Unit Level”, Special Warfare Journal, November 20, 2025.
Drone Networks for SOF. Unmanned system (UxS) networks can provide reliable connectivity to the forward line of troops in combat scenarios. Read more in “Special Warfare Drone Networks for the Modern Battlefield”, by Samuel Overton, Special Warfare Journal, November 18, 2025.
5th SFG(A) and 101st Abn Div – Operation Lethal Eagle. an upcoming exercise at Fort Campbell, Kentucky will incorporate the 3D manufacturing of small-unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). About 100 sUAS units will be built and used during the 21-day exercise. “101st Airborne Division takes flight with 3D printed drones”, DVIDS, January 20, 2025.
U.S. Military and Drones
MQ-9 Reaper Lost in Korea. On November 24, 2025, a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 of the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron deployed at Kunsan Air Base, Korea was lost while conducting a routine mission. The drone was in support of critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions across the Indo-Pacific region. The $30 million drone was likely monitoring North Korea and/or China. The Reaper can conduct it ISR missions both day and night while loitering for up to 14 hours at more than 45,000 feet.
US Army’s Future C-sUAS Interceptor Program. The Army wants to develop a database of readily available components that can be used in a future C-sUAS Interceptor Program. The parts should have immediate availability according to a RFI sent out by the Army. Breaking Defense, Nov 25, 2025.
Essay – Transformation of War. The character of land warfare (in air and sea as well) is changing rapidly with the advanced technology offered by unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and the digital age. Not only must the U.S. military change the way it fights, it must change the way it trains its leaders and soldiers. Two U.S. Army LTCs explain in “Tomorrow’s Wars, Today’s Problems”, Small Wars Journal, December 3, 2025.
DoD Scaling up Drone Production. The Department of Defense is adapting new technologies with a fight-tonight philosophy so warfighters will have the cutting-edge tools they need on tomorrow’s battlefields. The intent is to have the ability to make massive numbers of drones quickly that are also inexpensive. Over the course of two years over 340,000 small drones for combat units will be manufactured.
11th Airborne Division and UAS Experimentation. The 11th Airborne Division recently conducted a groundbreaking electromagnetic warfare (EW) and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) training event at the Joint Pacific Alaskan Range Complex (JPARC) near Fort Greely, Alaska, integrating EW Soldiers from across the DIV alongside UAS and C-UAS vendors to experiment with technologies in Alaska’s arctic environment. (US Army, 25 Nov 2025)
US Army and Drone Development. Col. Neil A. Hollenbeck provides his perspective on how the DoD needs to revamp the acquisition process to field new drone technology in rapid fashion. “Why the Army Needs Units Driving Drone Development and How to Do It”, Military Review, September 2025.
UAVs in Maritime Battlespace. Brandon Schingh writes on how the maritime battlespace is being transformed with the introduction of sea-going drones. Capital ships, submarines, and naval aviation all must learn to deal with this new environment. One of the biggest concerns will be the use of maritime drone swarms that can overwhelm the radar and defense systems of large ships such as aircraft carriers, cruiser, and transport vessels. These “swarms” become even more problematic when air, surface, and subsurface drone swarms are employed against naval ships. The world’s naval powers will not be those with the largest ships or biggest fleet but with those that adapt most effectively to the drone revolution. “The Future of Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles in the Maritime Battlespace”, Small Wars Journal, November 27, 2025.
Drones and the Ukraine – Russia Conflict
The “Octopus” in Ukraine’s Air Defenses. Dr. Jack Watling describes how a new defensive system is stopping the Russian Geran-2 drones from striking targets in Ukraine. He presents the advantages and limitations of the drone interception system and warns that it is only one of many defensive measures needed to stop the Russian drone attacks. “Octopus Adds an Additional Layer to Ukraine’s Air Defences”, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), November 27, 2025.
Drones Around the World
Every Soldier a Hunted Target. Ground troops used to fear air strikes, tanks, and artillery. Today’s modern battlefield brings a new threat – drones. In the not so distant future a soldier could be hunted by ten drones simultaneously that cost less than $1,000 each that know his face from a TikTok video he posted two years ago. His image is tagged by AI with his name, physical appearance, and facial recognition. “AI FPV swarms make every soldier a hunted target”, UK Defence Journal, November 26, 2025.
