Navy Reveals What Caused Fighter Jets Losses in Middle East: What To Know

The U.S. Navy on Thursday released its report into the loss of three F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during its strike group’s deployment to the Middle East last fall.

The fighter jets were lost due to malfunction, a friendly fire shoot-down, and a defensive evasive maneuver, according to the Navy’s investigation. The aircraft carrier itself also collided with a merchant ship during the same deployment, part of a military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group was sent to secure vital international shipping lines in the Red Sea from September 2024 to May 2025.

“Despite the challenges, the Sailors of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group demonstrated adaptability, professionalism, and complete commitment to the mission throughout the deployment,” Admiral Jim Kilby, vice chief of naval operations, said in a press statement.

This is a developing story. Updates to follow.