U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Shot Down by Own Ship in Red Sea

A tragic “friendly fire” incident has resulted in the shooting down of a US Navy F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet over the Red Sea, shedding light on the dangers of military operations in high-stakes conflict zones.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between US forces and Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. Fortunately, both crew members of the jet ejected safely, though one sustained minor injuries.

The F/A-18 Hornet, a two-seat Super Hornet fighter jet, was part of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 from Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. This fighter jet was mistakenly targeted by US forces during a military operation.

According to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM), the jet was shot down by a missile fired from the USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser that is part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group. This operation followed US airstrikes against missile storage and command facilities in Sanaa, Yemen, which were controlled by Houthi militants.

Initial reports suggest that the downing of the F/A-18 Hornet was a tragic case of friendly fire. This term refers to incidents where military forces inadvertently harm their own troops or assets during combat operations.

The shooting down of the jet highlights the risks of such accidents in complex and fast-paced military environments. Despite the loss of the aircraft, both crew members managed to eject from the plane, with one sustaining only minor injuries.

The friendly fire incident occurred amid escalating attacks by Houthi rebels, who have been targeting military and commercial vessels in the region. The rebels, who are backed by Iran, have seized at least one vessel and sunk two others.

These attacks have led to the deaths of four sailors. The Houthis have specifically targeted ships associated with Israel, the US, and the UK, as part of their broader campaign in the region.

In addition to targeting maritime assets, the Houthis have increasingly launched drones and missiles at Israel, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from Israeli forces. Despite facing military pushback from US-led and European-led coalitions, the Houthis continue to destabilize the region, further complicating the conflict.