The US Navy is repurposing the Hellfire missile, originally designed for anti-tank operations, into a counter-drone weapon for its Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). With its innovative upgrades, the USS Indianapolis became the first to successfully deploy Longbow Hellfire missiles against drone threats during its 2024 Middle East deployment. This low-cost solution addresses the growing challenge posed by cheap yet effective suicide drones like Iran’s Shahed-136. But can the Hellfire’s short range, limited quantity, and slower reaction time truly meet the Navy’s air defense needs? Learn about the tech upgrades, challenges, and the future of the LCS program as the Navy continues its battle against evolving threats on the seas.