Yemeni Armed Forces defy US air superiority amid mounting drone losses
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The US military faces challenges in Yemen, with its air superiority delayed and efforts to weaken the group's missile capabilities hindered.
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Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles that were launched from Yemen, as seen from the West Bank city of Ramallah, on March 27, 2025 (APr)
The US military has yet to secure air superiority over the Armed Forces (YAF) in Yemen, despite ongoing airstrikes, Fox News reported Friday, citing US officials.
The YAF continue to successfully shoot down high-value MQ-9 Reaper drones, severely hampering US operations.
Since March 3, the YAF have successfully downed at least seven MQ-9 drones, limiting US capacity to conduct surveillance, battlefield assessments, and target key rebel leaders, CNN reported, citing multiple US officials.
Officials noted that the Yemeni Armed Forces are becoming increasingly skilled at targeting these drones, further complicating US operations.
Drone losses impact US strategy
The Pentagon aimed to degrade the Armed Forces' air defenses within 30 days and move into a second phase focused on intelligence and targeting senior leaders. However, consistent drone losses have stalled these efforts.
Moreover, US officials confirmed that the YAF are becoming increasingly effective at targeting the drones, disrupting US intelligence, reconnaissance, and damage assessments, which rely heavily on aerial platforms.
The US has launched over 900 airstrikes since March 15 on northern and central Yemen, including Sanaa. The strikes followed renewed attacks by the group on ships linked to the Israeli occupation in the Red Sea in response to the Gaza genocide and blockade.
US President Donald Trump ordered military action, but officials now acknowledge that the YAF's missile capabilities and command structure remain largely intact, despite weeks of bombardment.
Over six weeks, the Yemeni forces launched 77 attack drones, 30 cruise missiles, 24 ballistic missiles, and 23 surface-to-air missiles at US forces, the Red Sea, and "Israel", according to US estimates.
Intelligence reports suggest little change in their ability or intent to continue these attacks.
Yemen downs seven US drones worth $200mn in six weeks
A report earlier today by the Associated Press (AP) reports that YAF shot down seven US Reaper drones in less than six weeks, causing losses exceeding $200 million for the US amid its intensified aggression against Yemen.
Citing defense officials, the US news agency stated that three of the drones were brought down in the past week alone, reflecting an enhanced capability by YAF to intercept unmanned aircraft flying over their territory.
The downed drones were either conducting attack operations or surveillance missions, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. While the cause of these incidents is believed to be “hostile fire", investigations are still underway, the report added.
These advanced drones, manufactured by General Atomics, cost approximately $30 million each and typically operate at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet (12,100 meters).
