On Tuesday, a Houthi-launched anti-ship cruise missile entered the vicinity of a US Navy destroyer in the Red Sea, approaching within a mile, as reported.
The proximity prompted the American warship to activate its close-in weapons system, considered the final line of defense.
It is noteworthy that this incident represents the closest encounter between a Houthi attack and a US warship, according to information provided by four US officials, which released further details on Wednesday.
Houthi Missile Intercepted by USS Gravely in Red Sea
Initially, US Central Command announced on Tuesday that at approximately 11:30 pm local time, the Houthis discharged a singular anti-ship cruise missile from Yemen toward the Red Sea, and it was successfully intercepted by USS Gravely.
No instances of damage or injuries have been reported.
Over the past several months, insurgents with Iranian backing have consistently launched unidirectional attack drones and missiles into crucial water passages in the Yemeni coast.
While numerous threats have been successfully neutralized by US naval vessels and, occasionally, by British or French forces, a few of these munitions have impacted commercial ships navigating through the area.
It is noteworthy, however, that no naval vessels have been directly hit.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in the US Navy are equipped with at least one Close-In Weapons System (CIWS), featuring a close-range, radar-guided automatic 20 mm cannon capable of firing up to 4,500 rounds per minute.
The effective range of this system extends to approximately two nautical miles.
Before a ship’s CIWS is activated, other defensive capabilities such as the warship’s SM-2 or SM-3 interceptors are deployed.
These interceptors are launched from vertical-launch-system cells, intercepting and destroying airborne threats.
According to Raytheon, the manufacturer of the SM-3, the projectile delivers an impact comparable to a 10-ton truck traveling at 600 mph.
Additionally, warships can employ a chaff mechanism to disrupt a missile’s radar, enhancing their overall defensive measures.
