Houthi Air Defenses Nearly Hit U.S. F-16s and F-35s, Officials Say
Yemeni Houthi forces narrowly missed shooting down multiple U.S. fighter jets—including F-16s and at least one F-35—during the early stages of Operation Rough Rider, according to several anonymous U.S. defense officials.
Speaking to media outlets, the officials said the near-misses occurred within the first 30 days of the U.S.-led campaign, which launched on March 15. The Houthis also managed to shoot down seven MQ-9 Reaper drones, each valued at approximately $30 million, significantly hampering American reconnaissance and strike capabilities in the region.
Neither the Pentagon nor Houthi leadership has issued official comments on the report.
Operation Rough Rider marked a major escalation by the United States, involving some of its most advanced military hardware. The campaign has targeted Houthi bases and infrastructure across Yemen in an effort to halt their attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. As of late April, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported over 1,000 strikes, resulting in the elimination of several Houthi operatives and a measurable reduction in the group's military capacity.
However, U.S. media outlets noted that most of the reported casualties were mid-level Houthi members, not senior leadership.
Despite sustained airstrikes, Houthi forces launched a barrage of attacks over a six-week span—including 77 suicide drones, 30 cruise missiles, 24 medium-range ballistic missiles, and 23 surface-to-air missiles—targeting U.S. assets in the Red Sea and inside Israel, according to two unnamed officials.
The threat posed by Houthi air defenses remains significant. The U.S. has responded by deploying high-cost assets such as stealth B-2 bombers and F-35 fighters, while increasing the number of anti-radiation missiles loaded onto EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets.
On May 6, the U.S. and Houthi forces reportedly agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Oman, pledging not to target each other and to ensure safe navigation through international waters. However, Houthi fighters have continued to attack non-U.S. targets, including Israeli assets.
Although the F-16 and F-35 fleets have avoided losses so far, the U.S. Navy has not been without incident. Two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets have been lost during the course of the campaign.
The first incident occurred when the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman executed a hard maneuver to evade a Houthi strike, causing an F/A-18E and a tow vehicle to fall into the sea. Just over a week later, an F/A-18F crashed into the Red Sea after a failed landing due to an arresting gear malfunction.
In another alarming event, the cruiser USS Gettysburg accidentally shot down an incoming F/A-18F on December 22, 2024, as it was attempting to land. The missile narrowly missed a second Super Hornet flying just a few kilometers behind, both assigned to protect the carrier strike group.
(Source: The Aviationist)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
