Story perspectives

Pentagon Unveils Affordable Drone to Counter Iranian Threats

12/6/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Pentagon is deploying a drone modeled after Iran's Shahed-136 to boost affordability.
Central Command established Task Force Scorpion Strike with lightweight drones from SpektreWorks for various missions.
Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that this move enhances U.S. capabilities to deter adversaries, noting the Shahed-136's cost of about $35,000.
The MQ-9 Reaper costs about $30 million.
The Air Force has sought industry collaboration to replicate Iranian drone design and functionality.

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Story summary

The Pentagon is deploying a drone modeled after Iran's Shahed-136 to boost affordability.
Central Command established Task Force Scorpion Strike with lightweight drones from SpektreWorks for various missions.
Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that this move enhances U.S. capabilities to deter adversaries, noting the Shahed-136's cost of about $35,000.
The MQ-9 Reaper costs about $30 million.
The Air Force has sought industry collaboration to replicate Iranian drone design and functionality.