Two US Navy pilots successfully ejected from their F/A-18 fighter jet after it was shot down over the Red Sea in what has been classified as a friendly fire incident, according to a statement from US Central Command. The pilots were safely recovered, with reports indicating one crew member sustained minor injuries.
The incident occurred while the aircraft was operating from the USS Harry S. Truman, and was mistakenly fired upon by the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser within the same carrier strike group that has been present in the region for about a week. Central Command has confirmed that the incident was not caused by hostile fire, despite ongoing false claims from the Iran-backed Houthi militant group in Yemen, which has alleged attacks on US warships.
The tactical environment in the Red Sea has become increasingly fraught due to the war in Gaza, with US Navy ships maintaining a heightened presence in the area. This incident coincided with US airstrikes targeting Houthi facilities in Yemen, including missile storage sites and command centers, executed by both Navy and Air Force assets. Notably, the downed F/A-18 was not involved in these strikes.
On the same day, Houthi forces claimed to have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile toward an Israeli military target in Tel Aviv, hitting the city and injuring more than a dozen individuals without any reported fatalities.
As investigations into the friendly fire incident continue, it underscores the complexities and dangers of operations in regions where multiple military forces are active. While such incidents are tragic, the successful ejection and recovery of the pilots demonstrate the effectiveness of military preparedness and response protocols.
This situation sheds light on the ongoing challenges in maintaining security and navigation in one of the world’s busiest waterways, emphasizing the critical need for clear communication and coordination between military assets. It also reflects the tension in the region, which could lead to more robust diplomatic efforts in the future to prevent further escalations and protect maritime safety.