US Navy Warships Successfully Use Non-Kinetic Methods to Defend Against Houthi Drones

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US Navy destroyers operating in the Red Sea engaged Houthi drones last year without firing a shot, utilizing innovative "non-kinetic" methods. Documents reviewed by Business Insider reveal that Warships such as the USS Mason and USS Gravely executed these tactics from November 2023 to March 2024 to combat attacks from Iran-backed Yemeni rebels, preventing potential damage to coalition and commercial vessels.

According to the documents, the USS Mason performed non-kinetic engagements on February 19, 2024, using unspecified systems designed to disrupt drone operations. Former Navy officer Bryan Clark explained that destroyers are equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, such as the AN/SLQ-32, which can jam enemy communication and mislead incoming threats.

These non-kinetic strategies represent a significant shift in naval warfare and allow for more cost-effective responses to drone threats, reducing ammunition expenditure and enhancing operational sustainability during extended missions. Over 500 drones launched by Houthi forces have been eliminated in the region since the conflict escalated in October 2023.

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