Two US Navy pilots survived being shot down over the Red Sea in what appears to have been “friendly fire”, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
The F/A-18 Super Hornet, part of the “Red Rippers” squadron out of Naval Air Station Oceana, was mistakenly hit by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg.
The cruiser is a member of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group that has been stationed in the sea to deter Iran.
One Pilot Injured
The incident, which left one pilot with minor injuries, occurred as the group carried out airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
CENTCOM has launched an investigation into how Gettysburg could have mistaken its own aircraft for a threat.
The incident has raised concerns in the Pentagon and top officials are worried how the jet was shot down despite using advanced radar technologies.
CENTCOM has been carrying out airstrikes against Houthi targets but this is the first time such an incident has occurred.
