U.S. Central Command has confirmed a distressing incident in which a U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser accidentally shot down an F/A-18 fighter jet over the Red Sea early Sunday morning.
The incident took place shortly after the jet had launched from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier on December 22.
Accidental Engagement of F/A-18
The cruiser implicated in this accidental downing, the USS Gettysburg, mistakenly engaged the fighter jet with its onboard weapon systems.
Thankfully, both pilots aboard the F/A-18 managed to eject safely, although one pilot suffered minor injuries, according to CENTCOM’s reports.
This unfortunate event stands out as a rare case of friendly fire amid the ongoing military efforts against the Houthi movement, a militant group based in Yemen that controls significant areas, including the capital city of Sana’a. CENTCOM revealed that both American and British aircraft have been actively engaged in strikes against Houthi positions since Saturday.
Impact on U.S. Military Operations
This incident also marks a significant moment in the 14-month conflict with the Houthis, as it is the first time a crewed U.S. aircraft has been brought down.
While the Houthis have previously claimed responsibility for downing several unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drones, this is the first recorded loss of a manned jet, even if it was due to a mistake on the part of U.S. forces.
Just before the downing, on December 21, CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces successfully intercepted a number of one-way drone assaults and an anti-ship cruise missile launched from Yemen.
Concurrently, American and British air operations targeted missile storage sites and command structures in Sana’a. CENTCOM also released footage showing aircraft taking off from the USS Harry S. Truman during nighttime missions, though it remains unclear if these activities coincided with the F/A-18’s downing.
Military Response and Operations Resuming
As for the specific weapon used to bring down the fighter jet, details have not been disclosed.
The USS Gettysburg, which belongs to the Ticonderoga class, is outfitted with a variety of missile systems, including different versions of the Standard Missile, designed to engage Houthi weaponry and defend against aerial threats.
The U.S. military’s intensive operations against the Houthis began ramping up in October 2023, following several Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which were linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The USS Carney was the first Navy vessel to respond, successfully intercepting hostile drones and missiles targeting maritime interests.
In reaction to the Houthi threats, the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the region, deploying multiple carrier strike groups to provide protective operations.
Since early January, U.S. and allied forces have also conducted extensive bombing campaigns targeting key sites in Sana’a and other urban locales.
The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, along with Carrier Air Wing 1, has been operational in CENTCOM’s area since taking command on December 14, following the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group’s departure in November.
Source: Taskandpurpose