Pentagon to allocate $1.2 billion for Red Sea operations, missile resupply

The Pentagon is set to invest approximately $1.2 billion to sustain its naval presence in the Red Sea and replenish missile stocks aimed at countering threats from Iran and its proxies, according to newly released budget documents.

These expenditures were detailed in reports submitted to congressional defence committees on September 6 and underscore the financial implications of maintaining heightened military operations in the region, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"The spending reflects our commitment to ensuring regional stability and countering hostile actions,” stated a Pentagon official.

Among the allocations, around $190 million is earmarked for restocking the Standard Missile-3 Block 1B, with an additional $8.5 million designated for AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The most significant portion, $300 million, is allocated for unexpected maintenance on the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship and vessels in the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.

Notably, the Pentagon has budgeted $16,000 for flares to support self-defence operations, following Israel's successful interception of around 300 Iranian drones and missiles in April, aided by US support.

The budget documents also reveal requests for $350 million to procure additional Standard Missile SM-6 models and $70 million for Tomahawk cruise missiles. One Navy official reported that two destroyers recently fired about 12 Standard Missiles in defence of Israel against Iranian attacks.

“This week’s US assistance is estimated to have cost around $150 million,” they added.

The request further includes $32 million to replace drone interceptors used in operations since October 2023 and $25 million for additional laser-guided rockets from BAE Systems.

“This funding is essential for maintaining our readiness and supporting our allies in the region,” the Pentagon official remarked.

By Aghakazim Guliyev