According to new reporting from the New York Times, a Houthi surface-to-air (SAM) missile barely missed an American F-35 fifth-generation fighter, the crown jewel of the U.S. fighter inventory. The F-35, participating in Operation Rough Rider against the Houthis, was forced to take evasive action to avoid the missile.

The incident raises questions about the survivability of one of America’s most advanced fighters, and raises concerns over how effective the relatively unsophisticated Houthi air defense system has been at hampering U.S. action.

  • @Kbobabob@lemmy.world
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    1711 hours ago

    The relevant bit from the times article:

    Several American F-16s and an F-35 fighter jet were nearly struck by Houthi air defenses,

    I think the fact that they weren’t shot down says more.