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Yemen's military escalation is entering a new phase as the National Defense Council orders expanded air and missile deterrence operations against the Houthis. Military experts suggest this move signals a strategic shift from merely repelling attacks to striking their sources.

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The National Defense Council’s directive aims to neutralize Houthi missile and drone capabilities amid the group’s continued escalation on battlefronts and attacks on vital facilities and infrastructure.

Experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that the deployment of government drones represents a significant change in the balance of power. They speculate that government forces may possess more advanced, yet-to-be-deployed drones. However, they caution that the ongoing confrontation remains intricately linked to regional tensions and the geopolitical calculations of Iran and the United States.

Brig. Gen. Yasser Saleh, a Yemeni military and strategic expert, explained that the directive aims to neutralize Houthi missile and drone capabilities, which have seen continued escalation. Initially, government operations focused on defense due to a lack of sufficient air defense systems. Saleh believes raising the deterrence level implies preemptive strikes on launch sites, thereby reducing the Houthis' offensive capacity.

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Government operations initially focused on repelling attacks because forces lacked sufficient air defense systems to intercept missiles and drones.

Saleh described the deployment of government drones as a major development, noting their crucial role in reconnaissance, target identification, and striking enemy movements, especially for ground forces requiring close air support. He indicated that while current drones have limited range, the government is believed to possess more advanced systems capable of striking deep into Houthi-held territory. Unifying government forces across multiple fronts is also seen as key to preventing the Houthis from dictating the terms of engagement.

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Raising the level of deterrence would mean conducting preemptive strikes against launch sites and other sources of fire, reducing the Houthis’ ability to mount further attacks.

Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al-Kumaim, another Yemeni military expert, suggested that these expanded operations could pave the way for strategic-range drones and advanced rocket launchers. He characterized the heavy fire against forward Houthi positions as "preparatory fire" preceding offensive operations. Al-Kumaim called the drone deployment a "qualitative shift," despite the limited capabilities of those currently visible.

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Saleh described the deployment of government drones as a major development because ground forces require close air support.