US Navy's New Tactics: Destroyers Defeat Houthi Drones Without Gunfire

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In a significant shift in naval warfare, US Navy destroyers successfully intercepted Houthi drones in the Red Sea last year without firing a shot, employing "non-kinetic" capabilities, as detailed in documents reviewed by Business Insider. Between November 2023 and March 2024, the USS Mason and USS Gravely demonstrated this new approach, which focuses on electronic warfare and other strategies that do not rely on traditional munitions.

Navy officials confirmed that these non-kinetic systems, such as the AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare suite, are capable of disrupting enemy drone operations, thereby preventing potential damage to both military and commercial vessels. Bryan Clark, a defense analyst, emphasized that these tactics represent a critical evolution in the U.S. Navy's operational methods, particularly in response to emerging drone threats.

The implementation of non-kinetic capabilities saves resources and maintains ammunition supplies during high-tempo engagements, marking a strategic development in naval defense against aerial threats. US forces have reportedly intercepted nearly 500 Houthi drones since October 2023, underscoring the escalating use of drones in maritime conflicts.

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