The Cost of Operation Prosperity Guardian
Financial costs of the US-led operation against Yemen
12/27/20243 min read
Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) - How Much has it Cost?
OSG was launched by the United States and its allies in December 2023 against Yemen, in particular the forces of Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthis.
Many variables are potentially massive, probably even the US Government isn't aware of the total cost. We can however, gain an understanding of some of the ongoing costs in this ongoing war. Costs from non-US nations aren't included. We know countries like the UK, France, and others have contributed ships, intelligence and personnel (If we assumed a similar operational cost for each allied vessel, this would amount to approximately $1.2 billion).
Also worth noting is that these are conservative estimates where I have rounded down and used lower figures whenever possible.
Costs of US Naval deployment:
There have been specific deployments like USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) Carrier Strike Group, which was sent to the region in response to the escalation with Houthi forces. However, not all ships in a CSG operate continuously in the conflict zone due to various operational needs, maintenance, or strategic positioning elsewhere. CSGs rotate in and out, and their costs are significantly higher due to the presence of an aircraft carrier, multiple destroyers, cruisers, and support vessels.
A single carrier strike group can cost $7 million to $8 million per day, depending on its composition.
Approximately 180 days of CSG operation:Daily cost: $7.25 million (low estimate)
Total for 180 days @ $7.25 million = $1.35 billion
The minimum presence of Prosperity Guardian has been two US Navy destroyers. Operational cost for each destroyer per day can be around $700,000 for fuel, maintenance, and personnel. With several destroyers involved like USS Gravely, USS Laboon, USS Mason, and assuming at least two ships have been consistently deployed:
Daily Cost: $1.4 million (2 destroyers * $700,000)
Total for 365 days @ $1.4 million = $511 million
Total for Naval Deployment = $1.86 billion
Costs of Drone and Missile Intercepts:
The Yemeni forces have a wide experience of using drones, having deployed them in a variety of roles in their Civil War. Incredibly, the poorest country in the Middle East has achieved a short-term tactical advantage.
In January 2024, the AP reported that the U.S. intercepted 18 drones, two cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile in a single attack. In a different engagement, the USS Carney was reported to have shot down four cruise missiles and 15 drones over a 9-hour period.
Missile Costs: The U.S. has primarily used SM-2 missiles from ships like USS Carney and USS Mason. An SM-2 missile can cost between $2.1 million and $2.4 million each. Reports mentioned over 50 intercepts by January 2024. Assuming an extremely conservative estimate of 10 intercepts per month:
Total for Intercepts = $270 million
Cost of Attacks on Yemen:
The U.S. (and allies) have conducted air strikes against Houthi positions, using various munitions like JDAMs, which range from $20,000 to $40,000 each, and more expensive cruise missiles like Tomahawks at about $1.4 million each. Approximately 100 sorties, with an average cost of $400,000 per sortie (mix of various bombs and missiles):
Total for Airstrikes: 100 * $400,000 = $40 million.
Missiles: Beyond the SM-2s used for drone intercepts, there have been additional missile use for other threats or targets:
20 additional Tomahawks @ $2 million = $28 million
Total for costs of attacks on Yemen = $68 million
Cost of Lost Equipment:
Some equipment has been lost during operations. There was a story of a Global Hawk being shot down but the evidence for the claim was weak.Most notably a bunch of MQ9 Reaper drones @ $30 million and an F-18 Super Hornet @ $60 million.
Total unknown but conservative estimate = $420 million
Significant additional costs:
Fuel for Resupply
Ammunition and Spare Parts
Deployment Allowances Training
Equipment Wear (The harsh operational environment can lead to massive costs)
Environmental costs.
Logistics and Supply: Easily several hundred million dollars annually.
These costs would increase the total financial burden of Operation Prosperity Guardian. These usually represent additional 10-20% increase in the total cost estimate for these indirect and less visible expenditures.
Military presence: $1.86 billion
Missile Intercepts: $170 million
Equipment Losses: $420 million
Airstrikes and Additional Missiles: $58 million
Significant additional costs (@10%) $250 million
TOTAL COST TO UNITED STATES FOR ONE YEAR (APPROX) $2.75 billion
As stated, I have rounded down where possible so the margin of error should only realistically be in the upwards direction. If we say that 50% would be achievable in extreme circumstances, the cost of the US involvement in Operation Prosperity Guardian could actually top $4 Billion.
Training session with USS Dwight D Eisenhower
