Senator Hoeven Slams Navy's Expensive Missile Use Amid Drone Threats

Missile Costs and Drone Threats

• 🎯 Senator John Hoeven expressed concern over the Navy's use of expensive missiles, particularly in response to drone attacks.
• ⚠️ The discussion arose from Iran's attack on Qatar, where the Patriot system was noted as the most effective US system in support.
• 💰 Hoeven highlighted the need for more cost-effective solutions, stating, "This is ridiculous," regarding the current approach to drone defense.

ISR Technology and Redundancy

• 🛰️ A key point of discussion was the necessity for the US to maintain its lead in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) technology.
• 🛡️ Officials emphasized the importance of redundant and diverse systems, including terrestrial, air, surface, and space-based assets, to avoid being engineered against.
• ✈️ The MQ9 Reaper drone was mentioned as a vital ISR capability for the Indo-Pacific, supporting naval operations and submarines.

Drone and Counter-Drone Strategies

• 🚁 The Navy is actively seeking ways to lower the cost per shot for taking out drones, pivoting from using more exquisite platforms.
• 🚀 Systems like the Army's Coyote and Hellfire missiles, installed on Ford Strike Group combatants, aim to provide necessary range without expending high-cost SM2s and SM6s.
• ⚓ The proximity of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to ships poses a significant risk, potentially forcing the adversary to flood the zone and exhaust missile defenses.

Base and Shipyard Security

• 🏭 Concerns were raised about the vulnerability of military bases and shipyards to drone incursions, with current defenses being described as "woefully behind."
• 🚫 There's a recognized need for cross-government action to address the lack of effective measures against drones flying over critical infrastructure like shipyards.
• 🛠️ The Navy is working on various counter-UAS solutions, including organic systems, installation defenses, and larger systems like LMATS and medium-range intercept capabilities.