U.S Navy Fired $1 billion In Missiles To Counter Iran & Houthis In Middle East, Says Navy Secretary

Destroyer — Image Credits: US Navy/Twitter

In an attempt to counter threats, the US Navy has, so far, fired almost $1 billion in missiles from Iran and other proxy forces in the past six months, the sea service’s leading civilian official disclosed on Tuesday.

The disclosure also underscores the depth — and the rising financial cost — of the US Navy’s involvement in the Middle East.

American aircraft and warships operating in the waters of the Red Sea have been targeting and shooting down scores of Houthi drones and missiles since October 2023.

They have also sent targeted preemptive strikes against the militants in Yemen.

Over the weekend, American warships that are operating in the waters of the eastern Mediterranean Sea have intercepted numerous Iranian ballistic missiles in Tehran’s unforeseen attack on Israel.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro also said they have countered more than 130 direct attacks on the US Navy vessels and merchant vessels.

Del Toro spoke to the lawmakers about the munitions being critical to counter-strikes and the Navy and said that the service is nearing $1 billion worth of munitions that require replenishment.

It was unclear if the presented figure also included the weekend interceptions.

The variety of munitions that the Navy has used to intercept threats and conduct preemptive strikes on the Houthis in Yemen are not inexpensive.

The costs add up because the engagements have occurred over the past six months. For example, a Standard Missile-2 interceptor costs approximately $2 million.

The Senate has passed a significant supplemental package.

However, it continues to be blocked by the House Republicans even though there is a lot of pressure from Biden’s administration and US partners overseas, like Ukraine, to pass it through.

Del Toro said that Congress must pass the supplemental this week to get additional resources to supplement the munitions, which will be critical when moving forward.

Navy fighter jets and warships have been defending key shipping routes off the coast of Yemen for months now, in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, from persistent Houthi attacks.

Beyond the interception of missiles and drones in the air, American forces have also dedicatedly hammered militant forces in Yemen before they can get the weapons in the air.

The Pentagon’s Red Sea operations, nevertheless, raised questions regarding sustainability, as the Houthis are still not showing any sign of giving up on their attacks.

Over the weekend, amid Iran’s ongoing attacks on Israel, the US forces kept engaging the militants.

Iran’s attack, in the meantime, raises more concerns on sustainability, as the US forces — including the Navy — were to defeat endless threats in the air.

The massive aerial barrage has encouraged Israel to promise its retaliation, giving birth to fears that the Middle East can anytime spiral into more violence.

Reference: Guardian

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.