Yemen: As our Yemeni Armed Forces possess advanced weaponry and military capabilities, particularly in naval weapons, they have demonstrated significant technological advancements in this area. These include offensive technologies achieved by only a few countries globally, such as Russia, China, and the US. The arsenal includes various tactical and strategic weapons, such as naval mines, suicide drones, unmanned submarines, and a formidable array of land-to-sea missiles. Among these, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are a critical innovation developed by Yemeni engineers to protect maritime sovereignty and counter threats from enemy ships and fleets.

Drone Boats in Modern Warfare

With the evolution of naval warfare tactics and scenarios driven by technological advancements, leading nations have focused on developing unprecedented military technologies that combine impactful force, superiority, and cost-effectiveness. This arms race has peaked with the conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing hypersonic missiles and various types of drones, including UAVs, unmanned submarines, and USVs. These drones have significantly influenced military strategies in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The focus has been on integrating these advanced weapons into the general deterrence doctrine of armies, given their strategic importance.

Characteristics and Capabilities

USVs, particularly suicide FPVs, have been at the forefront of development due to their proven success, notably in the Russia-Ukraine war where Ukraine used them to target Russian destroyers in the Black Sea. Yemeni Armed Forces have also employed USVs to attack Saudi-UAE coalition frigates in the Red Sea.

Key characteristics and capabilities of USVs include:

• Cost-Effectiveness and Ease of Use: Manufacturing USVs is relatively inexpensive and straightforward, requiring minimal financial and logistical resources.
• Stealth and Precision: USVs can attack ships with high accuracy and stealth, making them difficult to detect or intercept due to their lightweight and agile nature. They can alter their course instantly via direct guidance systems.
• Destructive Power: USVs can carry explosive charges up to 450 kg, capable of destroying heavily fortified naval vessels such as destroyers and frigates. They function as guided maritime bombs, surpassing torpedoes and surface missiles in destructive capability.

USVs in Yemeni Armed Forces Operations

One of the significant achievements of the Yemeni Armed Forces has been the development and deployment of lethal drone systems and ballistic missiles to target ships associated with Israeli, American, and British entities. The inclusion of unmanned submarines and USVs in operational theaters marks a notable advancement.

In a recent operation, the Armed Forces successfully targeted the ship Tutor in the Red Sea using a USV, inflicting severe damage to its engine room, causing hull breaches, and immobilizing the vessel. This achievement highlights the operational integration of USVs against American ships and companies supporting the Israeli entity. The Yemeni Armed Forces have successfully developed and enhanced various generations of USVs, reinforcing their role as a potent additional firepower in warfare.

Researcher in Military Affairs
Translated by Almasirah English website