Pentagon launches rapid deployment unit for drones

U.S. Central Command is launching a new task force designed to fast-track the deployment of drones and emerging technologies to American forces operating across the Middle East.

The Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF), announced Tuesday, will focus on delivering advanced capabilities to troops in as little as two months — a major shift in how the U.S. military fields critical systems in rapidly evolving conflict zones.

The initiative, first reported by Stars and Stripes reporter Matthew Adams, will be led by CENTCOM Chief Technology Officer Joy Shanaberger, who will oversee efforts to accelerate procurement, integration, and deployment of advanced systems. The task force will coordinate innovation across three main areas — capability, software, and technology diplomacy — to ensure troops on the ground receive the tools they need to outpace adversaries.

“Our goal is to rapidly deliver innovation, meaning putting combat-credible capability into the hands of our warfighters in 60 days or less,” Shanaberger said in a statement. “Equipping skilled warfighters faster with cutting-edge capabilities will deter bad actors.”

The move follows a policy overhaul introduced in July by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aimed at eliminating procurement barriers that have slowed the adoption of small drones and other emerging systems. These drones — capable of intelligence gathering, supply delivery, and precision strike missions — are increasingly central to modern warfare, particularly in contested environments like the Middle East.

The Pentagon has struggled in recent years with lengthy acquisition processes, often taking years to transition new technologies from prototype to operational use. The new task force seeks to change that, with CENTCOM aiming to bridge the gap between innovation and deployment in weeks rather than years.

CENTCOM’s push for rapid innovation coincides with an expanded focus on drone defense and joint operations with regional allies. Last week, U.S. and Saudi Arabian forces completed Red Sands, the Middle East’s largest live-fire counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) exercise. The multiday event brought together more than 300 personnel who fielded 20 counter-drone systems at the Shamal-2 Range in northeastern Saudi Arabia.

“Red Sands brought together U.S., Saudi and industry capabilities and expertise to identify ‘best in breed’ systems for detecting, tracking and eliminating modern aerial drone threats,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command. “Working shoulder-to-shoulder with regional partners to innovate and adapt is more critical than ever.”

The exercise highlighted CENTCOM’s emphasis on partnerships and interoperability — key components of U.S. strategy in the region. The command, which oversees U.S. military operations across the Middle East, has led several major operations in recent years, including Operation Rough Rider against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

By shortening development timelines and improving coordination with industry partners, CENTCOM hopes to give troops a decisive edge in intelligence, surveillance, and precision engagement — capabilities that are critical to deterring adversaries and protecting U.S. and allied forces.

The REJTF’s success will be measured not only by how quickly it can deliver new systems to the battlefield but also by how effectively those technologies enhance U.S. and partner operations in one of the world’s most volatile regions.