The US destroyer USS Carney used SM-2 interceptors to destroy three missiles and eight drones near Yemen

The day before, the US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) used missiles to intercept air threats. At the time, the US Navy warship was near the coast of Yemen.

Here's What We Know

The US Department of Defence officially confirmed the incident, which was first reported by CNN. The Pentagon said that the USS Carney (DDG 64) shot down three missiles and several drones that were launched from the territory controlled by the Houthis in Yemen.

According to new information, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer used Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) interceptors to destroy aerial threats. It was a successful demonstration of the integrated air and missile defence architecture that the US has built in the Middle East and is prepared to use to protect its interests and partners. This was stated by Brigadier General Pat Ryder.

Three missiles and eight drones were launched from western Yemen and successfully neutralised by the destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 64) over the Red Sea. At the same time, it is reported that the ship was not threatened. It is possible that the target of the missiles and drones was not an American destroyer.

Pat Ryder reported that the missiles were flying towards Israel. However, he did not disclose their type. The distance from the western part of Yemen to Israel is more than 1,600 kilometres. That is the range limit for most existing cruise missiles.

The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have on several occasions expressed a desire to fight against Israel. They have Iranian Quds cruise missiles and are trying to develop long range strike capabilities.

As for the USS Carney (DDG 64), it is one of four guided missile destroyers stationed at the Rota naval base in Spain. Two days ago, it passed through the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.

Source: USNI News