zlacker

>>Apocry+(OP)
I think I need to become far more informed about these matters as this is rather surprising to read.

I’ve been watching Russia toddle about with their “second best in the world” equipment, demonstrating how difficult it can be. And now I’m reading that Houthi rebels have missiles that can make it outside some meaningful definition of “atmosphere”?

Maybe I’m failing to understand how modern military rocketry works.

>>Waterl+n4
Few things to consider:

1. The rockets and drones are supplied to Yemen by Iran. Which also supplies rockets and drones to Russia.

2. Russia wasn’t really what it was claiming to be, and it certainly isn’t anymore.

3. Russia is (in theory) fighting against the Ukranian military, so they need precision. Yemen doesn’t care about that, they just want to bomb Israeli cities. Cheap is fine.

4. The magnitude of the conflict is vastly different. Ukraine is about x40 the size of Israel, and this war has been going on for x20 the duration.

>>brap+07
> they need precision. Yemen doesn’t care about that, they just want to bomb Israeli cities.

Wouldn't reliably hitting a city from that distance require precision? I think the Houthi forces just want to look like they are doing something. No matter what, they are not going affect the war.

>>wolver+Ie
Bret Devereaux had an interesting analysis of this effect[0], mostly in relation to Hezbollah (but also pertaining to the other Israel-oppositional militant groups in the region): They have to walk a balance of looking like they are involving themselves (to keep their supporters happy) but not committing themselves (so that they don't get directly targeted by a very well-funded opponent). They very much want to be the chicken in the ham-and-egg sandwich.

To the direct point, hitting a city from 1000 miles away would demand quite a lot of precision (to be clear, this article at least doesn't say they were on target, but even hitting Israeli territory from Yemen is on par with hitting New Jersey from Cuba). On the other hand, Russia is targeting specific installations and infrastructure, which is an entirely different feat.

[0] https://acoup.blog/2023/10/27/fireside-friday-october-27-202...