US warships in the Red Sea have been countering a rising number of attacks by Houthi forces in Yemen, including 17 drones and missiles fired in a single 10-hour period. The Houthi attacks have disrupted global maritime trade and prompted the US to form a coalition of at least 10 nations to bolster security in the Red Sea. The primary US defense assets involved are Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers equipped with advanced missile systems, but the cost-effectiveness of using such munitions against low-cost Houthi drones raises concerns. Balancing the defense of warships with safeguarding merchant vessels remains a challenge, as finite inventories of anti-aircraft interceptor missiles could become depleted in the face of continued attacks.

Best Coverage: https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/27/middleeast/red-sea-attacks-us-navy-warships-intl-hnk-ml/index.html