The use of anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) in the Red Sea has piqued Asian interest in defense systems to counter them, experts and industry officials report. Despite the challenges posed by China's substantial ASBM arsenal, recent U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) releases highlight 48 ASBMs and 12 interceptions in the Red Sea since November. This has led to increased demand in Asia for integrated air and missile defense systems, including sensors, weapons, and command-and-control systems. However, challenges remain, particularly in countering small, "low-end" threats like drones, which have been used alongside ASBMs in the Red Sea.
