The US Navy has deployed Coyote drone interceptors on an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for the first time, enhancing defense against UAV swarms. Images confirmed their presence on USS Bainbridge during drills in the Ionian Sea. Integrated with the Gerald R. Ford Strike Group, the Coyotes provide an added shield against low-flying drones amid rising Houthi attacks. Originally built as expendable drones, Coyotes now function as interceptors, with Block 2 variants offering jet-powered speed and seekers for agile targets. The system has been credited with 170 kills globally.
