The United States Navy is pitted against foes supplied by Iran in a high-stakes game of technical warfare as tensions in the Middle East rise.
Naval analyst Bryan Clark warns that relying solely on traditional surface-to-air missiles to counter enemy drones is neither sustainable nor cost-effective in the long run.
Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and a retired US Navy officer, highlighted the exorbitant cost of using surface-to-air missiles to intercept drones, which can run upwards of $2.1 million per missile.
In contrast, he pointed to Ukraine’s successful use of jamming technology to disrupt the guidance systems and control links of Russian drones, a tactic that has proven effective and comparatively economical.
To address the growing threat posed by enemy drones, Clark advocates for the development and deployment of advanced defensive technologies, such as lasers and microwave weapons.
While the Navy already possesses models of lasers with sufficient capability to neutralize drones, there remains a debate within the Navy about whether to wait for larger lasers capable of intercepting cruise missiles or to deploy smaller lasers immediately for drone defense.
United States Navy Swiftly Deploys Laser Tech in Middle East
Clark argues that the urgency of the situation in the Middle East necessitates swift action to deploy laser technology, which would mitigate the need for expensive surface-to-air missiles and enhance the Navy’s defensive capabilities against drone threats.
Recent incidents underscore the gravity of the situation faced by US Navy warships in the region.
On January 30, a Houthi ballistic missile came dangerously close to a United States Navy destroyer, prompting the deployment of its close-in weapon system as a last line of defense, a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by adversaries in the region.
As the Navy continues to navigate the complex security landscape of the Middle East, the imperative to develop sustainable and cost-effective defensive measures against enemy drones has never been more pressing.
By embracing innovative technologies like lasers, the Navy can enhance its ability to safeguard its personnel and assets while reducing reliance on costly ammunition in an increasingly volatile theater of operations.
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