Pentagon to Spend $1,2 Billion on Red Sea Operations and Missile Replenishment
The Pentagon is set to spend approximately $1,2 billion to sustain ships deployed in the Red Sea and replenish missile stocks used to counter-attacks by Iran and its proxies, as revealed by newly submitted budget documents.
According to two budget filings from September 6, about $190 million will go toward replenishing the sea-launched Standard Missile-3 Block 1B, while $8,5 million will be allocated for AIM-X Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missiles. This spending highlights the cost of maintaining an increased US presence in the region, which includes intercepting drones and missiles deployed by Iran and Houthi rebels in Yemen.
A significant $300 million is earmarked for unplanned maintenance of the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship and ships in the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group that were part of Red Sea operations. Additionally, $16 000 will be spent restocking flares for US air and naval defense efforts, underscoring the importance of mundane but critical supplies.
The spending is linked to US Central Command’s response to regional threats and ongoing hostilities, especially involving Israel. Notably, in April, with the support of the US, UK, and other allies, Israel’s air defenses repelled a barrage of 300 drones and missiles fired by Iran. This context helps explain the Pentagon’s recent expenditures aimed at bolstering missile defenses.
Additional spending includes $276 million for more Standard Missile SM-6 systems, $57,3 million for Tomahawk cruise missiles, and $6,7 million for Enhanced Sea Sparrow missiles, all manufactured by RTX. Furthermore, $25 million is set aside for Boeing’s JDAM-GPS guidance kits and $7,4 million for the Small Diameter Bomb.
Another significant expenditure is $26,4 million to replace RTX Coyote Block 2 drone interceptors used since October 2023, as part of the Pentagon’s response to ongoing conflicts involving Israel. An additional $20 million will be spent on BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets, enhancing laser-guided capabilities.
These expenditures reflect the US commitment to maintaining military readiness in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, specifically with respect to Iran and its influence in the region.