Khaberni - The American Department of War announced the readiness of the first unit specialized in suicide drones to participate in potential combat operations, should President Donald Trump decide to carry out strikes against Iran.
The agency "Bloomberg" reported that the unit, known as "Task Force Scorpion" "Scorpion Power", was established last year within the US Central Command (CENTCOM), with the aim of accelerating the introduction of low-cost drone-based combat capabilities capable of executing one-way attacks.
The agency quoted Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins as saying that the squadron is ready for operations after completing testing and preparations.
Bryan Clark, a researcher at the Hudson Institute and former strategic planner in the US Navy, told the agency: "Destroying this type of targets requires launching many scattered attacks, which low-cost drones excel at."
He added: "Iran no longer has a strong air defense network, so it may not be able to shoot down many of them."
According to CENTCOM estimates, the cost of one aircraft from the LUCAS system is about $35,000, and it can be used in reconnaissance missions and striking unprotected targets such as missile production facilities and military infrastructure.
SpektreWorks, based in Arizona, produces LUCAS lightweight drones, which can be launched to execute one-way attacks, reconnaissance missions, maritime strikes, and other tasks, and have a wide range of capabilities, designed to operate independently according to US Central Command.
Analysts believe that this step reflects a shift in US strategy towards relying on more affordable systems that are better suited for attrition warfare and scattered attacks.
These developments occur amidst the largest US military deployment in the Middle East since 2003, concurrent with US-Iranian negotiations in Geneva regarding the Iranian nuclear program.
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran, despite his previous claim that the United States "eliminated" its nuclear program through strikes carried out last June. He also threatened military action in response to the Iranian government's suppression of anti-government protests last month.
In response, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned of retaliation if his country were attacked, adhering to Tehran's position that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and that uranium enrichment is a national right.
Speaking yesterday, Thursday, spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Abolfazl Shikarchi, said that the US military presence in the region falls within the framework of "psychological warfare and intimidation policy."
He added: "If Washington understood the true capabilities of the Iranian Armed Forces, it would never talk about war," asserting that "in the event of any conflict, American soldiers and equipment would be destroyed, and US resources and interests in the region would come under fire from the Iranian Armed Forces."
Brigadier Shikarchi described President Trump's statements as "showmanship rhetoric," confirming that the Iranian military fully monitors the movements of adversaries and maintains the highest level of readiness.
