Two U.S. F-16 “Wild Weasel” pilots survived a Houthi surface-to-air missile ambush over Yemen in March 2025, escaping six missiles in about 15 minutes and earning Silver Stars.
Their aircraft were equipped with HARM Targeting System (HTS) pods and fired AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles before exiting the area.
After the strike, the Houthis executed a “SAMbush,” waiting until U.S. aircraft were egressing before activating radars and launching.
“We only had about 15–20 seconds of indications ahead of time.”
Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks turned directly into an incoming missile — a last-ditch defensive tactic — and it passed beneath his wing.
“Close enough I can hear the rumble.”
Maj. Michael “Danger” Blea watched another missile close in.
“This is my only chance. I have one chance to make this miss.”
It missed by an estimated few dozen feet.
Pulling high-G defensive maneuvers and burning fuel rapidly, both jets risked flameout over hostile territory.
A tanker crew moved closer to the threat area and refueled them mid-crisis.
Both jets made it back safely after what they described as seconds separating them from death.
Source: Air & Space Forces
