Houthi Rebels Down Seven US Drones, Costing $200 Million
The recent downing of seven US military Reaper drones by Houthi rebels in Yemen is a significant event, highlighting several key issues. The reported cost of $334 million (NZD), which translates to approximately $200 million USD, is a substantial loss, raising questions about both the vulnerability of these drones and the effectiveness of US military spending. However, it’s important to understand that this figure likely represents the total contract price, incorporating ground equipment, maintenance, and other associated costs, rather than simply the unit price of each drone.
This incident underscores the growing sophistication of Houthi air defense capabilities. The rebels’ ability to successfully target and shoot down seven drones points to improved intelligence gathering, training, and possibly access to advanced weaponry.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood