US Defense Chief Warns of China's Hypersonic Missile Threat to Navy

In a significant shift in naval warfare, US Navy destroyers successfully neutralized Houthi drones in the Red Sea without firing a single shot, employing non-kinetic weapons instead. Documents reviewed by Business Insider reveal that between November 27, 2023, and March 9, 2024, the USS Mason and USS Gravely intercepted threatening drones through undefined electronic warfare tactics. These engagements not only protected military and commercial vessels but also demonstrated a new combat approach for the Navy, transitioning from traditional kinetic methods to non-physical means of defense.
According to Bryan Clark, a former Navy officer, such tactics highlight the destroyers' advanced electronic systems, designed to detect and jam drone guidance systems. Since October 2023, US forces have successfully countered almost 500 drones launched by Houthi rebels. Naval officials noted that employing non-kinetic solutions is more cost-effective and conserves ammunition, proving crucial for sustained operations in a challenging combat environment. This represents a broader evolution in military strategy, indicating the Navy's adaptability to emerging threats.