F-35 Evades Houthi Missile Attack in Yemen

An F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet narrowly avoided a surface-to-air missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels during a combat mission in April 2025. The incident, occurred as part of Operation Rough Rider, which commenced on March 15, 2025, to escalate military strikes against Houthi positions in the region. Details regarding the specific date and model of the aircraft—whether it was a U.S. Air Force F-35A, Navy F-35C, or Marine Corps F-35B—remain undisclosed. F-35A jets from Hill Air Force Base in Utah and F-35C aircraft from the USS Carl Vinson are currently deployed in the area.

Launched by the Trump administration, Operation Rough Rider aims to undermine the military capabilities of the Houthis and safeguard shipping routes in the Red Sea. The Houthis have intensified attacks on both commercial and military vessels since late 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza. In response, the U.S. and its allies, initiated a comprehensive campaign involving airstrikes and operations from the USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson carrier strike groups.

The initial month of Operation Rough Rider has seen significant U.S. losses. The Houthis successfully shot down seven MQ-9 Reaper drones, valued at approximately $30 million each, which has hampered the U.S. military’s reconnaissance and strike capabilities. Additionally, several F-16 fighters and the F-35 narrowly escaped missile attacks, although details regarding the F-16 incidents remain unconfirmed. These developments underscore the unexpected effectiveness of the Houthis’ air defense systems, which utilize mobile anti-aircraft platforms and infrared sensors.

The USS Harry S. Truman, a pivotal asset in the operation, has faced further challenges. In December 2024, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down an F/A-18F Super Hornet, though both pilots survived after ejecting. On April 28, 2025, another F/A-18E Super Hornet, valued at around $67 million, crashed into the sea while the carrier was evading a Houthi attack. A third Super Hornet experienced a crash during a landing mishap due to braking system failure, with the crew escaping with minor injuries. These incidents, combined with the ongoing conflict and difficult operational conditions, have contributed to the escalating financial and operational costs of the campaign.

Despite these challenges, the Trump administration has characterized the operation as a success, stating that over 1,100 strikes have been conducted since March 15, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of militant targets and significant weapon caches, including launchers and storage facilities. However, the Houthis have maintained their capacity to launch attacks, including threats against U.S. warships, while utilizing underground bunkers to shield their assets. Thus far, the operation has incurred costs exceeding $1 billion, raising concerns within the Pentagon regarding the depletion of precision-guided munitions needed for potential conflicts in other regions, such as the Asia-Pacific.

On May 8, 2025, President Trump announced the conclusion of Operation Rough Rider, claiming that the Houthis had “capitulated” and agreed to cease attacks on American vessels. This decision came amidst a lack of tangible progress in establishing air superiority and escalating operational costs. A ceasefire brokered by Oman included a mutual cessation of hostilities between the U.S. and the Houthis, although the latter publicly heralded the ceasefire as a victory, continuing to issue threats against Israel and shipping in the Red Sea.

The incidents involving the F-35 and F/A-18 aircraft illustrate the inherent risks of deploying high-cost airpower against irregular forces such as the Houthis, whose air defenses have proven to be surprisingly effective. While F-35Cs from the USS Carl Vinson have been extensively employed to conduct strikes and intercept Houthi drones, the substantial costs associated with these missions—approximately $100 million per aircraft—raise questions regarding their effectiveness against lower-tech adversaries. Experts warn that the Houthis are likely to enhance their air defense capabilities using Iranian technology, posing a potential threat even to the most advanced military aircraft.