How the Aegis Combat System Saved USS Gravely from a Houthi Missile Attack
The recent incident in the Red Sea, where a Houthi missile came within one mile of the US Navy destroyer USS Gravely, has highlighted the importance of the Aegis Combat System as a vital shield for the fleet. The Aegis system, which integrates advanced radars, computers, and weapons to track and guide missiles to destroy enemy targets, was able to intercept and destroy the incoming threat using its Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), a rapid-fire 20 mm cannon. This was the first time that the CIWS was used to engage a Houthi missile, according to US officials.
The Houthi rebels, who are a Yemeni group backed by Iran, have been launching attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since October 2023, in response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the US and UK strikes on their positions. The Houthis claim that they are targeting Israeli-linked ships, while the US and its allies accuse them of disrupting the flow of commerce and threatening regional stability.
The Houthi missiles pose a serious challenge to the US Navy, as they may have low-flying, sea-skimming, or maneuvering capabilities that make them difficult to detect and intercept by conventional radar systems. The Aegis system, however, is designed to counter such threats, as it can perform search, tracking, and missile guidance functions simultaneously, with a track capacity of well over 100 targets at more than 100 nautical miles.
The Aegis system is not only a defensive shield, but also a potent offensive weapon. It can launch a variety of missiles, such as the Standard Missile family, which includes the RIM-66 Standard, the RIM-156 Standard ER extended range missile, the RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 for ballistic missile defense, and the RIM-174 Standard ERAM (Standard Missile 6) for air and surface warfare. The Aegis system can also coordinate with other platforms, such as aircraft, submarines, and land-based sensors, to create a networked and integrated combat capability.
The Aegis system is the result of decades of innovation and development by the US Navy and its industry partners, such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics. It is constantly evolving to adapt to new threats and technologies, and to meet the needs of the US and its allies. The Aegis system is currently deployed on more than 100 ships in the US Navy and the naval forces of 15 other countries, and is planned for use by more in the future.
The Aegis system is a testament to the US Navy’s commitment to maintaining its maritime superiority and ensuring the security of its interests and partners around the world. The Houthi missile attack on USS Gravely was a reminder of the dangers that the US Navy faces in a complex and volatile region, but also of the resilience and readiness of its sailors and systems. The Aegis system proved once again that it is the shield (and the spear) of the fleet.
