F-35 Jets Complete Combat Missions Across All Variants

The variant of the F-35 designed for aircraft carriers has recently been deployed in combat operations, targeting Iran-supported Houthi insurgents. This was confirmed by a US defense representative speaking to Business Insider.

The Department of Defense announced that F-35C jets were engaged in military strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen over the last weekend. Released media content showed the aircraft launching from the USS Abraham Lincoln, stationed in the Middle East.

A defense official explained that this marked the inaugural combat operation for the F-35C, signifying a combat history for all variants of this aircraft. It highlights the continuing efforts of the US military against the Houthis.

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 Lightning II is a versatile, single-engine stealth fighter jet available in three models: F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C. The Air Force uses the F-35A, while the F-35B and F-35C are operated by the Marine Corps and the Navy.

Operational responsibilities in the U.S. Central Command area against Houthi combatants are supported by the USS Abraham Lincoln's aircraft.

While the F-35A and F-35B have been active in Afghanistan and Iraq since the late 2010s, the much pricier F-35C — valued at $102 million — only recently engaged in combat.

The F-35B was first used in 2018 against Taliban targets, followed by the F-35A's debut in US operations a year later targeting ISIS. Israel had used the F-35 in combat before these events.

Currently, the F-35Cs on USS Abraham Lincoln belong to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, and are part of an air wing that includes F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18 Growlers, E-2 Hawkeyes, and MH-60 Sea Hawks.

Besides the Abraham Lincoln, the USS Carl Vinson is the lone other Navy carrier with F-35Cs. While other nations field F-35A and B models, none currently operate the carrier variant.

During a briefing on Tuesday, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed that the F-35Cs conducted bombings on Houthi munitions depots over the weekend. These rebels have consistently targeted vessels with missiles and drones in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for a year now.

The weapons used by F-35Cs during these operations remain unspecified. However, they have the ability to deploy precise bombs, long-range weapons, and air combat missiles.

Continuing Conflicts

After the airstrikes, Houthis attacked two US Navy destroyers in the Bab al-Mandab Strait on Monday. Ryder noted that US forces intercepted the threat, which involved eight anti-ship missiles and drones each.

The destroyers did not sustain damage, and no personnel were injured, according to Ryder.

These operations happen amidst recent skirmishes between US military units and Iranian-backed factions in Syria over the past few days.

Since the beginning of the week, American bases in Syria have experienced attacks, leading to responsive strikes on Iran-affiliated sites.