Red Sea – In a dramatic turn of events, a United States Navy FA-18 Super Hornet fighter jet, valued at $60 million, crashed into the Red Sea after its aircraft carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman, made a sharp evasive maneuver to avoid missile and drone attacks launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

According to international media reports and an official statement from the US Navy, the high-tech fighter jet was on the flight deck of the carrier when the sudden, high-speed turn caused it to slide off into the sea. The maneuver was reportedly part of a defensive tactic known as “zig-zagging,” often used to evade missile strikes.

The incident occurred as the USS Harry S. Truman was patrolling in the Red Sea, an area increasingly tense due to rising hostilities involving the Houthis. The rebel group later claimed responsibility for launching drones and missiles at the American vessel—claims that were acknowledged in the US Navy’s official statement.

One crew member suffered minor injuries during the incident, and according to a report by CNN, the pilot was inside the Super Hornet’s cockpit but managed to eject and survive after the jet plunged into the water. Another official confirmed to CNN that the multi-million-dollar aircraft was lost to the sea.

A former US Navy captain explained that such maneuvers, while risky, are often necessary in active combat zones to protect high-value military assets and personnel from aerial threats.

This incident marks another escalation in tensions in the region, where several international naval forces, including the US, have increased their presence to ensure maritime security and counter missile threats in strategic shipping lanes.

The US Navy has launched an investigation into the incident, while operations in the region continue under heightened alert.