US Navy loses million fighter jet in Houthi attack.

The U.S. Navy encountered a significant operational setback on Monday when it lost a F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet, valued at approximately million, in the Red Sea. This incident occurred while the aircraft was being towed in the hangar bay of the USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. According to a statement released by the Navy, the towing crew lost control, resulting in both the aircraft and the tow tractor falling overboard.

Navy officials stationed in Bahrain indicated that the personnel involved acted swiftly to distance themselves from the aircraft as it descended from the deck, thereby avoiding potential injury or further complications. The circumstances surrounding this incident appear to be connected to a sharp maneuver executed by the aircraft carrier during a moment of heightened tension, as Houthi militants were reportedly targeting the carrier at the time. This adds a layer of complexity to an already precarious situation in a region marked by conflict.

Reports from various news outlets, including CNN, have confirmed that the aircraft is believed to have sunk following the incident. Such a loss is particularly notable in a military landscape already fraught with challenges, as the U.S. Navy has faced a series of encounters with Houthi fighters targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea since 2023. The recent escalation in hostilities prompted U.S. forces to initiate bombing operations against Houthi positions in Yemen starting in January 2024, an action that has intensified under the current administration.

This incident is not without precedent. Last December, the USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down another F/A-18F Super Hornet, though the two airmen onboard were able to eject safely and were unharmed. These incidents highlight the ongoing risks and operational challenges faced by the U.S. Navy in a volatile region, raising concerns about aircraft safety and the complexities of executing military operations under threat.

As the situation develops, military analysts and defense experts will closely monitor the implications of this incident for U.S. naval operations in the Middle East and the broader strategic landscape of the region. The loss of advanced combat aircraft not only carries financial repercussions but also affects operational capabilities. The Navy continues to assess the situation and is committed to maintaining security in international waters amidst rising tensions.

Media News Source