An F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet was forced to take evasive action to avoid being hit by a surface-to-air missile fired by Yemen's Houthis, The War Zone reported, citing an anonymous US government official. The incident occurred in April 2025 during a combat sortie as part of Operation Rough Rider, which began on March 15, 2025, to intensify strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. The exact date of the event and the type of aircraft — a US Air Force F-35A, Navy F-35C, or Marine Corps F-35B — were not disclosed. F-35As from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and F-35Cs from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson operate in the region.

Operation Rough Rider, launched by the Trump administration, was aimed at disrupting the military capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthis and protecting shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis have stepped up attacks on commercial and military vessels since late 2023, declaring solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. In response, the United States and its allies, including the United Kingdom, have launched a major campaign, including airstrikes and operations by the USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson carrier battle groups.

In the first 30 days of the operation, the U.S. has suffered significant losses. The Houthis shot down seven MQ-9 Reaper drones, each worth about $30 million, severely limiting the Houthis’ ability to conduct reconnaissance and precision strikes. The Houthis also narrowly missed several F-16 fighters and an F-35, according to U.S. officials, though details of the F-16 incidents remain unconfirmed. These events highlight the unexpected effectiveness of the Houthis’ air defenses, which use mobile anti-aircraft systems and infrared sensors.

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, a key element of the operation, suffered additional losses. In December 2024, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of its strike group, mistakenly shot down an F/A-18F Super Hornet; both pilots ejected and survived. On April 28, 2025, another F/A-18E Super Hornet, valued at approximately $67 million, crashed into the sea while the carrier was taking evasive action against a Houthi attack. On May 6, a third Super Hornet crashed during an awkward landing due to a braking system failure; the crew also survived with minor injuries. These incidents, coupled with the intensity of the fighting and challenging conditions, added to the financial and operational costs of the campaign.

Despite the losses, the Trump administration has claimed the operation was a success. Since March 15, 2025, the U.S. has carried out more than 1100 strikes, destroying hundreds of militants and much of their weapons, including launchers and storage facilities, according to the Pentagon. But the Houthis retained the ability to fire, including at U.S. warships, and continued attacks using underground bunkers to protect assets. The operation has cost more than $1 billion, raising concerns in the Pentagon about depleting stockpiles of precision-guided munitions needed for other potential conflicts, such as in the Asia-Pacific region.

On May 8, 2025, President Trump declared an end to Operation Rough Rider, declaring that the Houthis had “capitulated” and agreed to stop attacking American ships. The decision came amid a lack of clear progress in establishing air superiority and mounting costs. Oman brokered a ceasefire that included a mutual halt to attacks between the U.S. and the Houthis. However, the Houthis publicly claimed the ceasefire as a victory, continuing to threaten Israel and shipping in the Red Sea.

The F-35 and F/A-18 incidents highlight the risks of using expensive airpower against irregular forces like the Houthis, whose air defenses have proven unexpectedly effective. F-35Cs from the USS Carl Vinson have been used extensively to strike and intercept Houthi drones, demonstrating their versatility, but the high cost of such missions (about $100 million per aircraft) raises questions about their utility against low-tech adversaries. Experts note that the Houthis are likely to continue to improve their air defenses using Iranian technology, which could threaten even the most sophisticated aircraft.