F‑35 dodges Houthi missile amid costly Red Sea mission
The American F-35 fighter jet had to perform evasive manoeuvres to avoid a surface-to-air missile launched by the Houthis. The situation was reported to be very serious, according to a media informant.
What do you need to know?
- The American F-35 had to execute challenging manoeuvres to avoid being struck by a surface-to-air missile launched by the Houthis.
- The aircraft was carrying out tasks as part of Operation Rough Rider, which aimed to counter attacks on ships in the Red Sea region.
- The cost of the operation exceeded $1 billion, and President Trump concluded it on 8 May after the intended objectives were not met.
According to The War Zone portal, the American F-35 fighter jet, engaged in Operation Rough Rider, had to undertake evasive manoeuvres to avoid being hit by a surface-to-air missile launched by the Houthis. An anonymous official from the United States confirmed that the circumstances were serious enough that the aircraft was compelled to initiate defensive actions.
Although the exact date of the incident was not disclosed, it is known that the F-35 was operating in a region where both the US Air Force and Navy forces were stationed.
Why was Operation Rough Rider so costly?
Operation Rough Rider, which commenced on 15 March, aimed to counter Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea region. President Trump ended it on 8 May, after the intended goals were not achieved. The costs of the operation exceeded $1 billion (€890 million). During the operation, more than 1,100 precision strikes on Houthi positions were carried out.
Full air superiority was not achieved. Additionally, the extensive use of advanced precision weapons raised concerns about their availability in case of other conflicts, such as a potential intervention in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
