US Navy warships have the tools to fend off exploding drones like those wrecking a Russian fleet, but it's a dangerous and evolving threat

Sat, 03/23/2024 - 07:45

In this photo released by the US Navy, two US Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jets fly alongside amphibious assault ship USS Bataan and guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner in the Gulf of Oman on Aug. 17, 2023.
US Navy via AP

Ukraine has found success at sea by using naval drones packed with explosive to batter Russia.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have tried using similar weapons in their ongoing Red Sea attacks.
Former US Navy officers say American warships can handle this threat. Still, it's an evolving challenge.

In two conflicts separated by more than 1,000 miles, US friends and foes alike have turned to a deadly weapon to defeat their enemy's warships: small naval drones packed with explosives.