They compare a $2M missile with a $2,000 drone.
Over the past two months, U.S. Navy destroyers have shot down 38 drones and multiple missiles launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen across the Red Sea. The Iran-backed militants have increased their attacks against commercial vessels moving oil and other goods through the shipping lanes.
The Houthi drones are not sophisticated, and it is estimated they cost a few thousand dollars each. The cost of using naval missiles, which can cost up to $2.1 million per shot, to destroy their drones has become a growing concern for the Department of Defense. “The cost offset is not on our side,” said one official.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has announced Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping and counter terrorist attacks.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Austin to be prudent in his formation of the maritime coalition to counter attacks against commercial vessels.
- For General Kurilla as he heads the U.S. Central Command, overseeing Middle Eastern troops and military operations.
Sources: Politico, NBC News, CNN
