The ongoing conflict with the Houthis in the Red Sea has given the US Navy a unique opportunity to test its air defense capabilities, providing valuable lessons for future maritime wars. The Navy’s exhausting shootout with Iran-backed rebels has strained warship crews and drained critical munitions, but leaders within the service believe it is just a taste of what a potential war against China would look like.
China poses a significant threat due to its advanced missiles, long-range surveillance capabilities, and intelligence operations, making it imperative for the Navy to have enough interceptor missiles on hand. The conflict in the Red Sea has demonstrated the importance of air defense capacity, particularly at sea, as naval engagements would unfold primarily against China’s formidable arsenal.
Navy warships and aircraft operating in the region have shot down hundreds of Houthi drones and missiles, straining US stockpiles and raising concerns about readiness for potential future armed conflicts. The Navy has learned key lessons from the Red Sea conflict, including the value of advanced air defense systems like the Aegis Combat System.
The service is working to address issues such as cost ratio, magazine capacity, reloading capabilities, and munitions inventory. Efforts include exploring cheaper alternatives, improving warships’ five-inch deck guns, and enhancing reloading-at-sea capabilities. The conflict has given the Navy more confidence in its weapons systems, accelerated development of tactics, techniques, and procedures, and provided insights that could impact China’s military planning.
As Rear Admiral Cameron Ingram noted, “In a lot of ways, the Red Sea is a knife fight in a phone booth.” The geography is tight, with limited space to maneuver, making it challenging for the Navy. However, the service has demonstrated its ability to adapt and respond effectively, providing valuable lessons that will inform planning for future conflicts, particularly those against China.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-captain-red-sea-conflict-knife-fight-phone-booth-2025-6