In recent years, the U.S. Navy has encountered an escalating challenge in the Red Sea as Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to launch precision weapons at vessels transiting the area, including U.S. warships themselves. The persistent threat has highlighted the need for a sufficient force structure to counter maritime threats, according to experts.

Bradley Martin, a senior policy researcher at Rand, emphasized the unpredictable nature of the maritime threat, stating, "We never know where the maritime threat might come up." He added that ensuring adequate force structure will be a significant challenge for the Navy in the next decade.

While the Navy has made substantial investments in anti-air technology, such as the Aegis combat system, effective missiles remain costly and difficult to produce. Steve Wills, a Navalist at the Center for Maritime Strategy, pointed out the high cost of shooting down low-cost drones with expensive Standard Missiles.

The encounters with armed drones, cruise missiles, and other weapon systems in the Red Sea are providing valuable data that could prove vital in the Indo-Pacific region. China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force poses a major threat to U.S. forces in the Pacific, with the ability to deploy thousands of missiles capable of reaching wide areas. This potential overwhelming force puts U.S. ships and bases at risk, highlighting the importance of effective defense measures.

According to Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, the PLA rocket force alone cannot identify targets, relying on other systems to locate them. Efforts to hide U.S. forces' movement and mislead reconnaissance systems could enhance the Navy's defense capabilities against mass missile attacks in the event of a major war.

Amid the Navy's increasing involvement in conflicts in the Middle East and the growing threat from China's military buildup, safeguarding commerce remains a significant responsibility for America's naval power. Brad Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, emphasized the importance of maritime commerce for American prosperity and security.

As the U.S. Navy faces escalating missile threats from both Iran and China, the ability to effectively counter these threats while protecting commerce becomes crucial. Balancing the challenging cost-benefit analysis of anti-missile systems and investing in innovative defense strategies will be vital for the Navy in the coming years.

Watch the video above to learn more about the U.S. Navy's efforts to keep up with the looming missile threats from Iran and China.