Bahrain Becomes First Regional Nation to Join US-Led 'Falcon Strike' Drone Force

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that Bahrain has joined “Falcon Strike,” the world’s first multinational task force for one-way attack drones. Bahrain is the first regional nation to publicly disclose its participation in the force.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper announced the development on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026, describing Bahrain as “a reliable partner in strengthening regional security and stability.”

Cooper noted that Bahrain reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with CENTCOM in establishing the world’s premier multinational attack drone task force.

Bahrain’s commitment to join Falcon Strike was finalized during a meeting of the US-Bahrain Military Consultative Committee in Manama. Concurrently, the kingdom committed to purchasing additional US munitions and air defense systems.

CENTCOM originally announced the formation of Task Force Falcon Strike on August 13, 2026. The task force operates one-way attack drones and uncrewed aerial, surface, and subsurface systems, jointly managed by US forces and regional partner nations.

Falcon Strike was launched approximately nine months after the establishment of “Scorpion Strike,” a unit CENTCOM designated as the US military’s first dedicated squad for operating one-way attack drones in the Middle East. During the rollout of Falcon Strike, CENTCOM stated that it had begun issuing formal invitations to regional partner states to join the coalition.

Bahrain’s integration into the unit comes amid a heightened US military presence in waters surrounding Iran. CENTCOM reported that, as part of enforcing a naval blockade against the Islamic Republic, its forces have diverted 125 commercial vessels, with the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush supporting operations from the Arabian Sea.

The command previously dismissed claims by IRGC officials alleging complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that thousands of vessels and over one billion barrels of oil have navigated the strategic waterway in recent months.