The skies over the Red Sea have become a battleground for the US Navy’s F/A-18E Super Hornets, with recent imagery revealing the aircraft sporting “kill marks” for downing Houthi drones, as tensions with the Iranian-backed rebels persist. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), known colloquially as “IKE,” has been operating in the Gulf of Aden/Red Sea area for months, playing an essential role in safeguarding maritime traffic from drone attacks.
In an act of aerial prowess, imagery taken aboard USS Eisenhower on April 19 and 20 showcased F/A-18E Super Hornets from VFA-105 “Gunslingers” and VFA-83 “Rampagers” carrying an unusual load of nine air-to-air missiles. This includes five AIM-120 AMRAAMs and four AIM-9 Sidewinders, an atypical sight as these jets commonly mix air-to-surface weaponry with their air-to-air arsenal. It is speculated that the heavy air-to-air missile loadout is a direct response to the growing drone threat, providing the Super Hornets with enhanced capabilities to intercept hostile UAVs.
Images from March 12, 2024, revealed at least one F/A-18E from VFA-131 “Wildcats” adorned with the stenciled silhouettes of two drones, indicating successful interceptions. While a Super Hornet can carry as many as 14 air-to-air missiles, having nine onboard underscores the emphasis on aerial defense.
The Navy’s quick certification of the Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers to carry AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles on outer under-wing stations. According to Navy Rear Admiral Stephen Tedford, this rapid adaptation showcases the military’s ability to respond promptly to evolving threats.
Fighter jets from the Eisenhower’s carrier air wing have participated in various missions, such as intercepting aerial threats and carrying out preemptive and coordinated strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. The combat markings on the aircraft, as shown in photos released by the Navy and other media sources, indicate the successful neutralization of threats, including drones that bear a resemblance to the Houthis’ KAS-04 system.
Carrier Strike Group 2, consisting of the Ike along with four destroyers and a cruiser, remains resolute in its commitment to stay in the region for as long as required. U.S. forces, in collaboration with allied ships and aircraft, have effectively intercepted numerous drones, cruise missiles, and even unmanned underwater vessels, showcasing a strong defense against the Houthi attacks.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized that while the U.S. preemptive strikes have impaired Houthi capabilities, the threat persists.
Relevant articles:
– F/A-18E Super Hornets Carrying 9 Air-to-Air Missiles To Counter Houthi Drones In Red Sea, The Aviationist
– F/A-18 Super Hornets Now Flying With Four AIM-9Xs From USS Eisenhower To Counter Drones, The War Zone
– Navy Fighter Jets in the Red Sea Are Sporting Houthi Drone Kill Marks, Military.com
– Super Hornets Flaunt ‘Kills Marks’ Of Houthi Drones; Silhouette Reveals Story Of Their Exploits In Red Sea, EurAsian Times