Houthi attacks and the carrier-targeting problem

Houthi attacks on merchant shipping pose a different targeting problem from an attack on a carrier battle group. Commercial vessels supply frequent targets while following a predictable route through a busy lane. A carrier can operate anywhere beyond the horizon, conceal its intended movement, and actively interfere with the search. The attacker must complete a reconnaissance and targeting chain before the carrier can find and strike a fixed land position in return. Successful attacks at sea therefore do not establish equal vulnerability across every kind of naval target.