Two U.S. Navy pilots survived a recent incident over the Red Sea after their F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down in what military officials are describing as a “friendly fire” occurrence. This incident highlights the escalating dangers in the Red Sea region, especially given the ongoing assaults on maritime vessels by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
The event happened on Sunday, shortly after the fighter jet had taken off from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. The USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser part of the same strike group, accidentally fired upon the F/A-18. Central Command confirmed the incident, which marks the most serious event since U.S. forces began airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen over a year ago.
Both pilots of the downed aircraft managed to eject safely from the plane, with one sustaining only minor injuries. The military did not provide further details regarding the purpose of their mission at the time of the incident.
The circumstances of the friendly fire incident raised questions about how the Gettysburg could misidentify the F/A-18. Communications and radar systems typically allow for clear identification among forces within a battle group. Notably, prior to the incident, coalition warships and aircraft had successfully engaged multiple Houthi drones and missiles.
Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, Houthi forces have ramped up their attacks in the Red Sea, targeting approximately 100 merchant vessels and resulting in the sinking of two ships and several casualties among sailors. The Houthis claim to focus their strikes on vessels associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., aiming to compel an end to Israeli actions in Gaza. However, many vessels attacked have been neutrally associated with the conflict.
The recent situations in the Red Sea serve as a reminder of the volatility in the region and the strategic complexities involved in maritime security amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. It’s hopeful that increased vigilance and enhanced communication protocols among coalition forces will mitigate the risks of similar incidents in the future. This incident might lead to further discussions on improving operational safety and collaboration among units to safeguard personnel and assets in such high-risk environments.