US Navy Pushes for More Laser Weapons on Warships Amid Rising Threats from Houthi Rebels in Red Sea

Washington: In wake of extensive missile and drone attacks in Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, US Navy is considering deploying more laser or Directed Energy weapons (DEW) on warships due to new threats that are both cost-effective and capable of long-range attacks, according to reports.

US Vice m. Brendan McLane dressed Naval Surfaces Forces, expressing urgent need to install se laser weapons on numerous ships. He said,”I am t content with pace of directed energy weapons. We must fulfil potential this techlogy offers.”

Laser Frenzy of US Navy & Dece of Frustration

Nearly a dece ago, Commander McLane led USS Carney in Middle East when Navy authorised crew of USS Ponce to utilise a $40 million Laser Weapons System against potential threats. Since n, operational laser weapons on US ships have been scarce, leing to frustration for McLane. He remarked, “I am er to accelerate development of directed energy weapons because of ir significant vants in magazine capacity, speed, and distance.”

Recent incidents in Red Sea saw destroyers intercepting over 62 different threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as inexpensive Kamikaze drones used by Houthis. US ships utilised Air Defense missiles, such as RIM-66 or Standard Missile 2, to counter and neutralise se threats. To provide context, while an SM-2 missile costs approximately $2.1 million, a drone from SAHED series costs only $20,000.

According to reports, it was Cdr McLane, who proposed installing laser weapons on smaller Littoral Combat Ships often deployed near shore. Consequently, US Navy developed or laser systems for select ships. In 2020-2021, USS Portland in Pacific successfully employed a high-energy laser weapon system demonstrator (LWSD) to eliminate a target drone. Similarly, in 2022, USS Preble was equipped with a 60-kilowatt laser to thwart attack drones, but widespre deployment faced challenges.

US Navy Urges Defence Firms to Expedite Missile Manufacturing 

Reportedly, US Navy has instructed defence manufacturers to expedite production of conventional missiles and weapons. Rear m. Fred Pyle underlined necessity of bolstering munitions inventory, stating, “Over past two budget cycles, we've recognized need to increase our inventory of all munitions. We're investing in this and collaborating closely with industry to maximise sustaining rate buys.”

dressing cost of countering se threats, Pyle asserted that despite expense of specialised rockets, it is crucial to prevent m from reaching ir targets. He explained, “I consider cost of prevention in terms of averting attacks on Israel, friendly units, and maritime shipping industry. It's essential to prevent ecomic impact, such as major shipping companies diverting routes around tip of Africa.”

ditionally, reports suggest that US Navy is exploring alternative methods to counter threats while ensuring an ample supply of weapons. Pyle stated that y are actively seeking or options and affirming that ir inventory remains stable, with a substantial reserve of ammunition.