United States Launches “Ghost Fleet” to Confront the Houthis
NYN | Reports and Analyses
A recent report issued by the U.S. Naval Institute has revealed a decline in the ability of the United States and its allies to maintain control over the Red Sea, following their failure to counter the naval capabilities of Sana’a’s forces — described in the report as “tactically flexible and innovative.” The report noted that Sana’a has now seized the operational initiative in one of the world’s most strategically vital waterways.
The report, titled “Let the Red Sea Be a Testing Ground for Unmanned Surface Vessels,” was authored by U.S. military researcher John Golden. It confirmed that despite Washington’s expenditure of over one billion dollars on missile defenses and joint air operations, it has failed to achieve any real maritime superiority against a “non-traditional” adversary that has confounded its advanced defense systems — a clear reference to the capabilities of Sana’a.
According to the report, maritime initiative has shifted to the government in Sana’a, prompting Washington to launch what is known as the “Red Sea Testing Initiative.” This program aims to deploy unmanned vessels for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and interference with drones and missiles — with the goal of minimizing human and material losses.
Golden noted that the Red Sea constitutes “an ideal environment for testing new systems,” due to the presence of a real adversary and genuine field challenges. He suggested the use of smart vessels to escort commercial ships, issue early warnings, and disable Yemeni boats through practical methods such as nets and metal chains. Analysts interpreted these recommendations as reflecting Washington’s confusion and inability to counter Yemeni tactics through conventional means.
The report concluded by stressing that the United States is facing a true test of its military capabilities, as the Red Sea has transformed from a secure passage for international trade into an open theater of confrontation — one that is reshaping the balance of global naval power.
