- U.S. Central Command released video evidence of a fighter jet successfully shooting down an Iran-backed Houthi drone in the Red Sea. The fighter jet employed Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets for the mission.
- Reports indicated that U.S. Air Force jets have shot down ten Houthi drones aimed at the USS Harry S. Truman, while a Navy plane also destroyed another drone.
- In response to Houthi attacks on shipping, U.S. forces have increased airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, leading to 53 reported casualties.
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Just over a month after reports emerged that U.S. Air Force and Navy combat aircraft were using Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets to target Houthi drones in the Red Sea, video evidence has surfaced.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) shared a post showing what appears to be a U.S. fighter jet successfully shooting down an Iran-backed Houthi one-way attack drone with AGR-20 FALCO APKWS laser-guided rockets.
While the video does not specify when and where it was recorded, it is known that Air Force jets reportedly shot down ten Houthi drones targeting the USS Harry S. Truman, and a Navy plane also destroyed another drone.
F-16s have been using APKWS IIs in air-to-air roles since last year, with multiple images on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service showing them equipped with air-to-air loadouts over the Red Sea.
CENTCOM’s post also referenced APKWS II rockets in a FALCO configuration.
Earlier this year, the Air Force announced its capability to convert air-to-ground munitions into air-to-air weapons.
US launches airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen
U.S. forces recently launched renewed airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking an escalation in the conflict with the Iran-backed group.
President Donald Trump cited the Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as the reason for the military action.
According to Houthi leadership, casualties from these strikes had risen to 53, including five children.
CENTCOM confirmed that it began a series of operations, including precision strikes against Houthi positions across Yemen, to protect American interests, deter adversaries and ensure freedom of navigation.