Yemeni Houthis' Sophisticated Air Defenses: A Growing Threat to US Drones and Aircraft
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have demonstrated a surprisingly effective air defense capability, evidenced by the increasing number of downed US MQ-9 Reaper drones. While the exact scope of their arsenal remains unclear, it includes Iranian-supplied surface-to-air missiles like the enigmatic "358" loitering munition, the Barq-1/2, and repurposed Soviet air-to-air missiles such as the Thaqib series. The US response involves increased air strikes using B-2 stealth bombers, highlighting the seriousness of the threat. The significant loss of MQ-9s raises questions about the drone's vulnerability in future conflicts and the need for improved self-defense systems. The Houthis' innovative adaptation of existing technology presents a significant challenge to US military operations.