Crude oil tanker Chios Lion, under the flag of Liberia, was hit by Houthi’s kamikaze USV, which caused extensive damage to the hull. The hit instantly caused the ship’s hull to fire due to the crude oil inside. Houthis recorded the attack with a UAV. While Houthis have made attempts at explosive-packed USV attacks, the damage dealt is the first time in the affair. Thus, some notes can be taken from this attack.
Firstly, the presence of a UAV serves as both a propaganda tool and a spotter for the USV, sensors of which are likely limited to line of sight. The recording capability of UAVs being utilised for propaganda has become a common sight in the Russo-Ukrainian War where both sides released footage of successful UAV or UAV-supported artillery attacks.
For the latter use, UAVs looking for targets from a height equates to an extended line of sight, which is hampered at sea level due to the Earth’s curvature. Secondly, the visual censor on the USV suggests that Houthis are starting to take measures to prevent OSINT which might identify the onboard systems. Previously, Houthis were more open about their equipment and regularly displayed their newest missiles for propaganda.
Finally, the hit on the tanker might encourage the Houthis to conduct Kamikaze USV attacks on other ships including military ones. While warships are regularly performing defence against UAVs and missiles launched by Houthis, USVs are still a matter of concern even for modern warships due to the agility and low profile of these vehicles.
