Two missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas on the Yemeni shoreline at the USS Mason, which employed defensive countermeasures for the second time in four days. The missiles did not reach the destroyer, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said in a statement. On Sunday, two missiles were fired at the ship, which employed countermeasures in response to the first missile while the second crashed into the Red Sea. The ship has not retaliated yet and has continued its operations. “Those who threaten our forces should know that US commanders retain the right to defend their ships, and we will respond to this threat at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner,” Cook said.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.