Since the onset of military operations in the Red Sea in October 2023, the U.S. Navy has deployed a greater number of missiles for air defense than during the entirety of the post-Gulf War period. According to former U.S. Navy Commander Bryan Clark, this highlights a critical vulnerability: should a conflict erupt between China and Taiwan, an American ally, the Navy may lack sufficient munitions for effective engagement. Clark attributes this issue to the complexity of the U.S. armament production process, characterized by specialized supply chains and limited batch manufacturing. Additionally, U.S. military personnel have expressed surprise at the intensity of drone activity from Yemeni Houthi forces, which has seen the destruction of 15 MQ-9 Reaper drones. In response, the U.S. is considering bolstering its naval vessels with additional weaponry to counter drone threats effectively. This situation underscores a pressing need for strategic reassessment and enhancement of the Navy’s operational readiness in the face of evolving asymmetric warfare tactics.
