The Houthi rebels of Yemen have recently posed a significant threat to the American Air Force, regarded as one of the most formidable in the world. During recent airstrikes in Yemen, these rebels nearly succeeded in shooting down U.S. F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and F-16 Vipers. It is noteworthy that despite their advanced technological prowess, the Houthis’ air defense systems are relatively underdeveloped compared to the U.S. forces. This situation raises questions about the specific weapons that enable the Houthis to challenge U.S. fighter jets.
According to a report from The War Zone, the Houthis have stockpiled infrared-guided R-73 and R-27 air-to-air missiles, which have been adapted for surface-to-air applications, labeled locally as Thaqib-1 and Thaqib-2. In addition, the Yemeni group has access to Sakr-series infrared-homing surface-to-air missiles, which exhibit maneuverability. While the capability of Sakr missiles to target high-flying and fast aircraft may be limited, the Thaqib-1 and Thaqib-2 have proven to be a credible threat in previous engagements.
Footage released by the Houthis, captured via infrared cameras, shows successful surface-to-air strikes against American drones, indicating their use of infrared sensors that extend beyond just infrared missiles to include radar-guided missile systems. Infrared sensors are passive, meaning they do not emit signals that would alert pilots to a looming threat, complicating matters for both stealth and non-stealth aircraft. By integrating these infrared sensors with radar-guided missile systems, the Houthis can remain concealed by minimizing radiation emissions during engagement, allowing little time for targeted aircraft to react.
CBS News has reported, citing insights from Michael Knights, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, that both the Houthis and Iranian forces employ completely passive electro-optical systems, making them difficult to detect as they leave no trace before initiating an attack. The evolving capabilities of the Houthis signify a growing threat to U.S. air operations in the region and underscore the complexities of modern aerial warfare.
Original Source: https://www.india.com/news/world/which-lethal-weapon-are-houthis-using-that-scared-mighty-us-air-force-are-they-using-even-f-35-and-f-16-sanaa-yemen-r73-r27-7826584/
Category: World,F35,Houthi rebels,US Air Force,Yemen
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Publish Date: 2025-05-17 20:48:00
