The US military deploys more than 25,000 unmanned systems in the Middle East, and the uses of thousands of attack drones are exposed

U.S. soldiers operate small drones. The U.S. Department of Defense has delivered more than 25,000 unmanned and anti-drone systems to Central Command this year, covering uses such as defense against enemy drones, one-way attacks and maritime reconnaissance. (Picture taken from U.S. Army)

[Compiled by Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] This year, the US military delivered more than 25,000 unmanned and anti-drone systems to the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, including more than 24,000 anti-drone systems, more than 1,300 one-way attack drones, and more than 100 unmanned surface and underwater vehicles. The U.S. Department of Defense has invested approximately US$782 million to expand related capabilities. From frontline protection to long-range strike and maritime reconnaissance, unmanned combat systems have become an important part of the U.S. military's deployment in the Middle East.

The European defense media "Defence Industry Europe" reported that this batch of equipment will be delivered to Central Command by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2026. Among them, more than 24,000 anti-drone systems are deployed through the "Joint Interagency Task Force 401" (Joint Interagency Task Force 401), which is mainly used to protect frontline US troops and prevent enemy drone attacks.

More than a thousand attack drones were simultaneously expanded

In addition to protective equipment, the most talked about strike force in the delivery list includes more than 1,300 one-way attack drones, which can carry out precise strikes at longer distances; and more than 100 unmanned surface and underwater vehicles to expand the scope of the US military's reconnaissance and maritime strikes in surrounding waters.

The U.S. Department of Defense pointed out that it is currently expanding production through commercial production lines and using modular software to speed up the delivery of new equipment to troops. These systems are low-cost and can be deployed in large quantities, allowing frontline commanders to deal with battlefield threats without frequently using expensive missiles that cost millions of dollars each.

Owen West, director of Project Agincourt, which is responsible for the Pentagon's unmanned systems affairs, said that the deployment of thousands of systems in the Central Command area of ​​responsibility this year is just the beginning, and the US military will continue to expand related capabilities.

The Pentagon also plans to expand the supply of unmanned systems to US military forces in the Pacific, Europe and other countries. This large-scale deployment also lays the foundation for the US military to establish the "Autonomous Warfare Command" (Autonomous Warfare Command), which is planned to be formally established before October 1, 2027, and will be commanded by a four-star general.