Posted on 12/28/2023 1:28:02 PM PST by Red Badger
Yemen's Houthis unleashed a new onslaught of anti-ship and land attack weaponry today around the southern end of the Red Sea. U.S. Central Command says the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Laboon (DDG-58) and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike group shot down a dozen one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles. The series of engagements occurred over a 10-hour period starting at 6:30 AM local time. Not one of the weapons hit its mark.
Editor's note: For full context and background, make sure to get caught up on what is going on with the crisis around the Red Sea in our latest update posted earlier today.
The fact that Super Hornets scored kills is a new development. They would constitute just the second (and possibly more) aerial kill by a F/A-18E/F, the first being an Su-22 over Syria in 2017. While the Israeli Air Force has shot down Houthi drones since October 7th (and apparently did so again today, as seen in the tweet below), and it's possible Saudi Arabia, which has a long history of air-to-air kills on drones emanating from Yemen, may have as well, U.S. fighters have not. The employment of Super Hornets in the air defense role isn't that surprising though, as the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (Ike) is currently loitering in the Gulf of Aden. This body of water is separated from the Red Sea by the narrow and tumultous Bab el-Madeb Strait.
The Super Hornets are capable assets against drones and cruise missiles. Their AN/APG-79 is arguably the most mature active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar on the planet. AESAs are more than capable of spotting, tracking, and assisting in the engagement of low-flying and small targets like drones and cruise missiles. Their ATFLIR targeting pods can also provide a visual of the target from far away that is useful for identification friend or foe (IFF) purposes. In this circumstance, it may prove extremely valuable for intelligence collection purposes in regard to understanding exactly the types of drones and cruise missiles Houthi forces are firing and at what.
U.S. Navy Super Hornets can also carry an advanced infrared search and track (IRST) system, which has seen limited deployment to the Middle East before. This system would be hugely valuable in spotting these kinds of targets, but it isn't clear if the Ike's Super Hornets have access to them for this deployment as the system has been mired in developmental issues.
An F/A-18F carrying an earlier block IRST centerline tank-pod during a combat patrol in the Middle East back in 2020. An F/A-18F carrying an earlier block IRST centerline tank-pod during a combat patrol in the Middle East back in 2020. The Super Hornet's AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAMs are both capable against both target types — drones and cruise missiles. Although, as the Saudis could attest, the AIM-120 has proven more reliable for engaging drones with very small signatures. The F/A-18E/Fs also have a 20mm cannon, but hitting a small target like a drone could prove problematic and concerns about where those rounds will fall is certainly a factor.
The Super Hornet's most potent feature is perhaps its networking capabilities, which allow it to receive and share high-quality targeting information from Aegis-equipped surface combatants below and the all-seeing E-2D Hawkeye above. The Hawkeye, with its incredible 'look down' radar capabilities able to surveil a vast area and its networking abilities that 'ties' the strike group together, as well as its highly trained crew that enables it, is potentially the most important asset the Ike brings to the table for this mission at this time.
E-2D Hawkeye. (Photo Courtesy Northrop Grumman/Released). E-2D Hawkeye. (Photo Courtesy Northrop Grumman/Released). Navy Arleigh Burke class destroyers like Laboon have already proven very capable of protecting themselves and other vessels against Houthi threats with their arsenal of surface-to-air missiles. However, Super Hornets can fly out far ahead of naval assets and protect those assets and key areas, while also investigating potential threats – something surface-to-air missile systems can't do. This flexibility is incredibly valuable in a complex battlespace situation such as the one being faced in the crowded Red Sea today.
The mention of land-attack cruise missiles in this latest incident is also of interest. Were these threatening a land target far off in Israel? This could make sense considering the IAF shot down a drone today over the northern Red Sea, as well. If a closer land target was the missiles' destination, that would be a major, troubling development. We have discussed how America's massive installation in Djibouti is of great concern because it only sits 100 miles from Yemeni shores. The stability of that critical base is based on complex geopolitical factors that could be disrupted if it becomes a target and defending it would be resource intensive. On the other hand, maybe CENTCOM misspoke and these were anti-ship cruise missiles, the likes of which we have seen the Houthis fired off many times before.
Also notable about this statement is no other participation by allied warships is mentioned. Considering the U.S. has begun its Operational Prosperity Guardian, it's interesting that no other vessels were involved with downing all these missiles and drones or, if they were, that information is being omitted.
The fact that the Houthis are still firing such a large number of weapons over such a short period shows how little they are deterred from doing so and, with the help of Iran, appear well-supplied to sustain their anti-shipping campaign.
This is a continuing story, we will update it with additional information when it becomes available.
Navies are too vunerable. What if they sent 400 drones all at once? Less that a million dollars, and some are bound to get through.
Exactly right.
“how about going after the launch centers? Depots?”
Exactly. Expend those $1 million to $4 million munitions on their bases.
“Navies are too vunerable.”
Navies have always been vulnerable. It’s a question of risk vs benefit. If the risk trumps the benefit, then the asset should be withdrawn.
The tots advising Maximum Tater are petrified that hitting Yemen itself will “inflame” the jihadis and broaden the war in Israel. Since the Houthis/Iranians are already firing missiles at our warships and international vessels, I’m not sure what the fear is, that they’ll try harder? We need to hit back at the source, not swat at flies until we lose personnel and major assets.
Did they say “Raytheon” or “Made in USA” on the side?
Houthis taking orders from Slo Joe more than likely
While anyone with a brain knows we eventually have to take out the launch sites/ships, in the meantime this is great experience for the sailors, pilots, etc. You can train, and train, and train. When you get to put your training in action with live enemy fire, well, those sailors manning the consoles, computers, instruments that make all of it possible will become instructors some day.
Sometimes it is said those who cannot do, teach. In this case, the doers become the best teachers.
I’d to think that powers that be are waiting for Israel to clean up Gaza before opening up other fronts. Israel will never be safe with the current regime in charge in Iran. It’s now or never, and Bibi knows that... but they aren’t going to outrun their coverage.
I don’t think so. I think it has to be something that can fight back.
I honestly don’t know but I think it would be interesting to find out.
Back when this country was run by racist white males we used extreme measures against pirates. We have become kindler and gentler.
“The fact that the Houthis are still firing such a large number of weapons over such a short period shows how little they are deterred from doing so and, with the help of Iran, appear well-supplied to sustain their anti-shipping campaign.”
************************************************************
Oh great a rag tag militia has shut down a major shipping lane and the US is appearing impotent when it comes to stopping them. I wonder how much this has cost us so far? Spain, Italy, and France have refused to be a part of “Prosperity Guardian” because they don’t want to be seen as being complicit in Israel’s war crimes by protecting their shipping. All because Netanyahu is refusing a ceasefire. It’s the tail wagging the dog at this point. The entire Global South now hates our guts and is aligning with Russia and China. Whatever benefit Israel might have been as an ally is over and our relationship with them has now become seriously deleterious to US interests. It’s time to tell them to do as we say or they can continue on their own without us.
Soon much of the oil producing nations in that region will abandon us and start cozying up to Russia and China. All this trouble because of our support of the arrogant and narcissistic Netanyahu who only cares about himself. His actions are leading Israel to destruction and we will follow right along in that direction if we don’t wake up.
“Whatever benefit Israel might have been as an ally is over and our relationship with them has now become seriously deleterious to US interests. It’s time to tell them to do as we say or they can continue on their own without us.”
Oh just stuff it.
L
Yes, I’d support attacking this problem even if it is Biden ordering it.
I’m getting sick of you Israel firsters. If this is an Israel first forum maybe I’m in the wrong place. I’ve been holding off registering on other forums because I already waste too much time on the internet as it is. But it’s getting to the point where I can no longer stomach the Israel firsters on here who seem to predominate.
“I’m getting sick of you Israel firsters.”
And I’m getting sick of you people supporting islamic savages.
“But it’s getting to the point where I can no longer stomach the Israel firsters on here who seem to predominate.”
You’re free to leave anytime you like.
You won’t be missed.
L
Between you and me, we need to go totally medieval on there ass.
5.56mm
Oh good grief, both of you grow up
I’m not supporting the Islamic terrorists I’m supporting the US and it’s interests which should take precedence over any other country. It is no longer in US interests to support Israel - simple as that. You people are traitors as far as I am concerned.
w00t... better than wasting $1MM missiles on them
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.