The 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron of the United States Air Force carried out the first official flight of a Skydio reconnaissance quadcopter within its area of responsibility under U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) on November 5, 2025. This milestone marks the inauguration of drone use in air security operations in the Middle East, strengthening perimeter surveillance and base protection amid a growing threat environment.
The system, part of the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) division, is now integrated into base security operations and represents a doctrinal shift, as U.S. air security forces would officially employ drones in the region. The decision comes in response to a scenario characterized by hybrid threats, improvised drone attacks, and harassment of U.S. facilities in Iraq and Syria, where reinforcing the protection of personnel and strategic assets is a priority.
The Squadron is currently deployed at an air base within USCENTCOM’s area of responsibility, with its exact location undisclosed for security reasons. The unit has been operating there for several months as part of the Air Force’s regular rotations in the Middle East.
The Skydio quadcopter offers 360-degree vision, thermal cameras, and high-resolution zoom, enabling the detection of anomalies, identification of threats, and rapid and safe terrain observation compared to ground patrols. Its main advantage is its reduced preparation time, being capable of taking off in less than five minutes, compared to the 20–60 minutes required by traditional fixed-wing drones.
The first operational flight, conducted on November 5, focused on perimeter surveillance tests and verification of flight systems. In this regard, Manuel Ajoste, lead and evaluator of unmanned aerial systems at the International Consolidated Analysis Center, highlighted: “Everything is preprogrammed: the radio frequencies, the pre-flight checks—everything is ready so we can get them in the air as soon as possible. This way, the drone can be airborne while one team member sets up the equipment and the other controls it.”
Finally, the Air Force expects the 332nd Squadron to become a pilot unit for expanding the security drone program in the Middle East, with the possibility of incorporating more systems in 2026. This step reflects the trend toward robotization and automation of security tasks, consolidating drones as essential tools for base protection and surveillance in high-demand environments.
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