American warships in the Red Sea have been actively intercepting and destroying Houthi drones and missiles, resulting in growing concerns over the cost of defending against these attacks. U.S. Navy destroyers have downed 38 drones and multiple missiles in the past two months, with each naval missile costing up to $2.1 million compared to Houthi drones estimated at just a few thousand dollars. Experts argue that the cost-effectiveness is in the Houthis’ favor, and the Pentagon should consider lower-cost air defense options. Despite these challenges, the U.S. Navy remains committed to safeguarding international shipping and countering the Houthi threat, as evidenced by the formation of a new international maritime coalition.

Best Coverage: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/19/missile-drone-pentagon-houthi-attacks-iran-00132480