US Fighter Jet downed in ‘friendly fire’ incident over Red Sea

Two US Navy pilots ejected safely after their F/A-18 fighter jet was downed in a “friendly fire” incident over the Red Sea, the US military reported on Sunday.

The jet, operating from the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, was struck by a missile fired by the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser also part of the strike group. Both pilots were recovered, with one sustaining minor injuries.

In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the incident, describing it as “an unfortunate operational error.” A spokesperson added, “The safety of our personnel remains our highest priority. We are grateful that both pilots are safe and will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident to prevent future occurrences.”

CENTCOM also highlighted the tense environment in which the incident occurred. “This mishap happened during a period of heightened readiness in a region marked by escalating threats,” the statement read. “Our forces are conducting critical operations to safeguard US assets, international shipping lanes, and allied interests in the region.”

The friendly fire incident coincided with recent CENTCOM airstrikes in Houthi-controlled Yemen, targeting a missile storage facility and a command-and-control center. These strikes were launched in response to “ongoing Houthi attacks on US Navy warships and commercial vessels in the Southern Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait,” according to CENTCOM.

In a briefing, a senior CENTCOM official emphasized the challenges posed by the current operational climate. “The Red Sea has become an increasingly volatile area,” the official said. “Our forces are dealing with hostile actions on multiple fronts. Incidents like this, while regrettable, remind us of the complexity of the missions we undertake.”

The US military also intercepted multiple Houthi-launched drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea in the past week. Rear Admiral James Wilson, commander of the USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group, commented on the growing threat: “We’re operating in a highly dynamic environment. The enemy is testing our resolve, and we are responding decisively. Unfortunately, operational errors like this can occur in such high-pressure situations, but we remain committed to our mission.”

The broader regional tensions were underscored by a separate attack when a rocket launched from Yemen struck Tel Aviv, injuring at least 16 people. The Houthi group claimed responsibility, stating on Telegram, “We targeted a military site in Tel Aviv using a hypersonic ballistic missile in response to ongoing aggression.”

As CENTCOM continues its investigation into the friendly fire incident, military leaders are emphasizing lessons learned. “We will conduct a thorough review of our protocols to ensure such incidents are minimized,” said General Michael Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM. “Our forces are operating under immense pressure, but that does not excuse preventable mistakes.”

The incident highlights the risks associated with operating in one of the world’s most contentious regions, with Rear Admiral Wilson concluding, “Every mission, every moment matters. We stand firm in our commitment to protecting our people, maintaining regional stability, and ensuring the free flow of commerce through these critical waters.”