Subscribe now

Society

Cheap drone attacks have outsized effect on global economic inflation

Drone attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are having a global economic impact and showing how an organisation without a navy can challenge control of the seas

By Jeremy Hsu

12 January 2024

A missile being fired off the USS Carney towards Houthi missiles and drones in the Red Sea

U.S. Navy

Attacks on container ships in the Red Sea have forced hundreds of ships carrying billions of dollars’ worth of cargo to avoid the region and the shortcut to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, resulting in global increases in inflation and carbon emissions – and much of this disruption comes down to mass-produced, explosive drones made for relatively low cost.

Since October 2023, Houthi forces based in Yemen have launched more than 100 drone and…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account