What You Need to Know: The U.S. Navy’s F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter recently saw its first combat action in a series of airstrikes against Houthi rebel weapons storage sites in Yemen.

-Operating as part of a U.S.-led international task force, the carrier-based F-35C targeted facilities used by Iranian-backed Houthi forces to disrupt Red Sea and Gulf of Aden maritime traffic.

-This debut combat mission, supported by B-2 Spirit bombers and other assets, showcases the F-35C’s capabilities, specifically designed for carrier landings.

-With further potential for a larger Indo-Pacific role, the F-35C’s deployment experience strengthens U.S. readiness in strategic regions.

The “C” version of the F-35 Lighting II stealth fighter jet drew first blood over the weekend during a series of targeted airstrikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.

The Iranian-backed Houthis have been attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for months.

The F-35C is the most exclusive version of the stealth fighter jet and is designed for a single purpose: to operate from aircraft........

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