Friendly Fire Incident in Red Sea Involves F/A-18 Super Hornet
An unexpected turn of events unfolded over the Red Sea when an F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down by a US Navy vessel. The incident was described by CENTCOM as a case of friendly fire.
Early Sunday, the missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which operates in conjunction with the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, inadvertently targeted the aircraft. Fortunately, both US Navy pilots survived the ordeal, though one sustained minor injuries, according to CENTCOM.
The mishap occurred shortly after CENTCOM had announced earlier operations involving “precision airstrikes against a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility operated by Iran-backed Houthis” in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled territory. The connection, if any, between these airstrikes and the friendly fire incident remains uncertain.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet, a versatile fighter jet built by Boeing, is known for its capability to execute numerous tactical missions. Recent reports indicated a significant rise in the aircraft’s procurement cost, with Forbes highlighting that the last batch of 20 jets was acquired at $55.7 million each.
As investigations continue to unravel the specifics of the incident, CENTCOM has not yet provided further comments. The event underscores the complexities and potential risks involved in military operations in the region.
