F‑35 dodges missile in billion-dollar operation flop
The American F-35 fighter jet had to perform maneuvers to avoid a surface-to-air missile launched by the Houthis. The situation was very serious, as reported by a media informant.
What do you need to know?
- The American F-35 had to execute complex maneuvers to avoid being hit by a surface-to-air missile launched by the Houthis.
- The aircraft was performing tasks as part of Operation Rough Rider, which aimed to counter attacks on ships in the Red Sea region.
- The costs of the operation exceeded $1 billion, and President Trump ended it on May 8 after the intended goals were not achieved.
According to The War Zone portal, the American F-35 fighter jet involved in Operation Rough Rider had to take evasive maneuvers to avoid being hit by a surface-to-air missile launched by the Houthis. An anonymous U.S. official confirmed that the situation was serious enough to necessitate defensive actions from the aircraft.
Although the exact date of the incident was not provided, it is known that the F-35 was operating in an area where both U.S. Air Force and Navy forces were stationed.
Why was Operation Rough Rider so costly?
Operation Rough Rider, which began on March 15, aimed to counter Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea region. President Trump concluded it on May 8, after the intended goals were not achieved. The operation's cost exceeded $1 billion, and more than 1,100 precision strikes on Houthi positions were conducted during this period.
Full air superiority was not achieved. Additionally, the extensive use of advanced precision weapons raised concerns about their availability for other potential conflicts, such as a prospective intervention in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
