The Red Sea is becoming increasingly militarized due to rising tensions between US warships and Houthi drones. In recent months, US vessels have been conducting a series of exercises and maneuvers in the Red Sea to deter the Houthi threat.
The US Navy’s 5th Fleet, which is based in Bahrain and is responsible for commanding all forces in the Red Sea, has been conducting operations in the region to counter the rising drone threat. In April of this year, the US Navy started shooting down unmanned Houthi drones with direct anti-aircraft fire. The drones have been engaging in reconnaissance activity and have been deemed a threat to shipping lanes in the area.
The Houthi has been using drones and other sophisticated weaponry to engage in highly accurate attacks on shipping vessels in the region. This includes the disabling of a very large container ship in April. To counter these attacks, US warships have been equipped with an assortment of artillery and anti-aircraft defense systems. These systems are specially designed to detect and destroy these unmanned Houthi drones.
So far, the US has had success in downing the drones using both the MQ-1C Gray Eagle and F/A-18 Super Hornet planes. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is an unarmed, remotely-piloted aircraft capable of carrying Hellfire missiles and other ordnance. The F/A-18 Super Hornet is a two-seater fighter jet equipped with a 20mm gatling gun and an air-to-surface missile system.
It is unclear if these US actions prove to be successful in the long-term. The Houthi forces are likely to retaliate by increasing the number and frequency of attacks. It is also uncertain if other regional actors, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, will become involved in a direct conflict.
Overall, it is clear that US warships are committed to defending the Red Sea from the constant drone threat. By shooting down Houthi drones in the area, the US is taking steps to deter these threatening activities and ensure the safe navigation of vessels in the region. Nevertheless, tensions remain high and it is unclear what the future holds.