Comparing the price of an attacking drone with the missile used to stop it gives a misleading picture of defensive cost. The relevant comparison is the interceptor against the damage an impact could cause. In the example here, a five-million-pound missile protects a billion-pound warship from a much cheaper drone. A hit that blinds the ship by destroying its radar could leave it vulnerable to another attack while returning for repairs. More guns and other defensive systems could offer alternative ways to stop the attack, but a ship has to fight with the equipment it carries. A screening force therefore has reason to pay for reliable defensive shots and enough magazine depth to keep doing so.
Notable Point · 1:07:25-1:08:55
Defensive interception cost depends on the damage prevented
The interceptor's price is weighed against damage to the defended ship, including the risk that a radar hit leaves it vulnerable to a later attack.