News - World: US senators have strongly criticized their country's role in the Red Sea, labeling it a "farce." They expressed concerns about the US military performance in Yemen, warning of potentially catastrophic consequences.

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Senator Angus King questioned the Department of Defense's decision to slash the budget for energy sector by 50 percent over two years. He criticized spending $4 million to counter drones from the Yemeni Armed Forces, emphasizing the importance of investing in technology to counter low-cost drones and missiles.

He added, "We have entered a world of low-cost drones and missiles. This is the technology that should be of utmost priority. Instead of cutting the budget in half, it should be doubled or even tripled."

King addressed Nicholas Gerten, the Executive Director of Navy Acquisition, saying, "Can you provide any logical reason for not pursuing this vital technology as we approach the era of swarm drones? We cannot counter swarms of drones in any other way. Is there any answer to this?"

Senator King called the situation a "blatant farce," expressing frustration over lack of progress despite raising concerns for several years. He highlighted the risks faced by US forces in the Red Sea and criticized the reduction in budget for crucial technology.

Senator Tim Kaine, on his part, clarified that US forces face daily threats in the Red Sea, and the slim possibility of a mistake in the missile defense systems could lead to catastrophic consequences.

He mentioned that for months now, Washington's forces in the Red Sea have been in an unenviable position where they are required to succeed at a rate of 100%, not 99.9% or 98%.

He pointed out that sending a late or excessively expensive weapon system that "we cannot afford or that is incapable of carrying out the mission when needed does not benefit our soldiers or Marines as they face risks." He explained that shipbuilding performance in the Navy becomes more exhausting than the challenge Washington faces in the Red Sea.

Earlier in the week, reports from the West acknowledged Yemen's growing military capabilities, which now extend into the Indian Ocean, posing a significant threat to the ambitions of enemies in the region.

Western observers expressed confusion and alarm after Yemen targeted the vessel MSC Orion in the Indian Ocean, raising questions about Yemen's maritime attack capabilities.