Parts are also coming in over land routes, as shown in an article I linked. Those coming in by sea are also coming in on dhows and fishing boats, not just large merchant ships. Those doen't necessarily even need a port. They can pull up in some inlet somewhere at night and unload onto small boats which go ground and unload on a beach. Avoids mined ports completely. What gets held up at mined ports is food and other trade goods, which creates a humanitarian crisis.
I appreciate the way he's thinking, but it isn't quite as neat and workable as presented. Still, the object of the exercise is to shut off the supply in the first place, not just sail up and down the region shooting down attacks, or striking launchers. In that regard, he's on the right track.
As far as LCS, RAM has a range of "up to 7.5 miles" (depending on which type, of 3 types, is used.) If the LCS is stationed where he indicates, it can try to intercept. It can only intercept targets passing by within that range. It can actually try to lure them to come toward it so that they get into that range. But, it is very "last ditch," which he also indicated. He wants to fly F-35s much further away, closer to the source of launch, and have them shoot down as many missiles and drones as possible before the leakers reach the LCS.
Which requires having a CAP of loaded F-35s remaining airborne 24/7, unless he somehow knows exactly what times the Houthis plan their launches. The logistics of that are anything but "economy of scale." Economy of scale is having a long range missile sitting in a VLS which fires at the moment needed. As he's pointed out, that isn't working. Because neither of these methods is stopping the source. They're only dealing with what got launched.
Until the Houthis get shut off, they will remain a serious regional threat. The solution will require international effort, organization, coordination and cooperation. Currently, the best that can produce is some sort of ad hoc regional naval force that chases missiles and drones around. It is no mystery to me why "they" can't get the job done.
One LHD with F-35B and two Burkes?
If that would work, there should be no problem. These and more were already present and were not able to defend all merchants. The area is very large...
LCS cannot defend other ships with RAM. RAM is not suitable for that.
And: do you know if these waters are suitable for mining?
The minefields would take time to become effective and they will be only effective, if all the missile parts come via ship.
There are friendly ports close by, especially Djibouti. I am not sure, if Jeddah is open. In Oman, there are at least air bases...
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