Houthis Test the U.S. Navy Carriers With Expensive Lessons

The Houthis’ Red Sea drone and missile campaign forced the U.S. Navy to expend hundreds of high-cost interceptors (SM-2/3/6), sometimes up to $4 million each, in a long-running, asymmetrical battle that exposed vulnerabilities and served as a critical warm-up for potential high-end conflicts with Iran or China. The piece notes fatigue and ammunition depth as the Navy learns to counter drones, missiles, and unmanned surface craft, while warning that a broader war could require deploying another carrier strike group.