US Navy used its last defense to destroy Houthi missile seconds from hitting warship
The US Navy successfully intercepted a Houthi missile targeting a warship in the Red Sea recently, using the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), an advanced defense mechanism.
The USS Gravely engaged the system when a cruise missile approached within one mile of the ship, averting impact within seconds.
The fully automated Phalanx, equipped with Gatling guns, fires 20mm rounds at a rate of 4,500 per minute to neutralize close-range threats. According to Raytheon, the Phalanx serves as the Navy's "last line of defense."
Previously, US warships have countered Houthi missiles with longer-range interceptors such as the Standard SM-2 and SM-3 and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles, which can engage at distances over 8 miles. However, the reason why these defenses were not deployed in the latest incident remains undisclosed.
Experts have raised concerns about the missile's proximity to the warship. Traveling at roughly 600 mph, the missile was about four seconds from striking when the Phalanx destroyed it, potentially scattering dangerous debris. Larger debris could still cause damage, penetrating non-armored sections of the ship's hull and superstructure.
The effectiveness of the Phalanx against various missile types, including ballistic missiles, has limitations due to its range of engagement height. Nevertheless, the system is a crucial component of US Navy defense and is also deployed by allied nations.
Despite the successful interception, whether the Phalanx will be used more frequently in the ongoing conflicts in the region is uncertain. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea continue, with further interceptions by US forces reported, including anti-ship missiles and drones by the USS Carney, as well as strikes disabling Houthi drones over the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Amidst these security challenges, Iranian-backed groups have launched attacks in the region, and a drone strike killed three American soldiers in Jordan, for which a militant group called Islamic Resistance in Iraq was deemed responsible.
President Biden has indicated a decision on the US response to these escalations but has not revealed details. While direct strikes inside Iran are highly improbable, there is concern over Iran's proxy activities escalating tensions and posing risks to the global economy and regional stability. U.S. officials and military personnel exhibit mixed perspectives on Iran's intentions and the potential shift in their tactics.
The fully automated Phalanx, equipped with Gatling guns, fires 20mm rounds at a rate of 4,500 per minute to neutralize close-range threats. According to Raytheon, the Phalanx serves as the Navy's "last line of defense."
Previously, US warships have countered Houthi missiles with longer-range interceptors such as the Standard SM-2 and SM-3 and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles, which can engage at distances over 8 miles. However, the reason why these defenses were not deployed in the latest incident remains undisclosed.
Experts have raised concerns about the missile's proximity to the warship. Traveling at roughly 600 mph, the missile was about four seconds from striking when the Phalanx destroyed it, potentially scattering dangerous debris. Larger debris could still cause damage, penetrating non-armored sections of the ship's hull and superstructure.
The effectiveness of the Phalanx against various missile types, including ballistic missiles, has limitations due to its range of engagement height. Nevertheless, the system is a crucial component of US Navy defense and is also deployed by allied nations.
Despite the successful interception, whether the Phalanx will be used more frequently in the ongoing conflicts in the region is uncertain. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea continue, with further interceptions by US forces reported, including anti-ship missiles and drones by the USS Carney, as well as strikes disabling Houthi drones over the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Amidst these security challenges, Iranian-backed groups have launched attacks in the region, and a drone strike killed three American soldiers in Jordan, for which a militant group called Islamic Resistance in Iraq was deemed responsible.
President Biden has indicated a decision on the US response to these escalations but has not revealed details. While direct strikes inside Iran are highly improbable, there is concern over Iran's proxy activities escalating tensions and posing risks to the global economy and regional stability. U.S. officials and military personnel exhibit mixed perspectives on Iran's intentions and the potential shift in their tactics.