Yemeni Military Media Releases Footage of Downing Saudi Typhoon Fighter Jet
Yemeni Military Media released qualitative footage on Thursday showing the targeting and hitting of a Saudi “Typhoon” fighter jet in the airspace of Saada province with a locally-made surface-to-air missile. The aircraft had taken off from Taif Air Base.
The footage documented the moment the Saudi warplane attempted to fire thermal flares to evade targeting, but the Yemeni surface-to-air missile succeeded in directly hitting the aircraft, completely destroying it. The footage showed that the aircraft likely crashed inside Saudi territory after the Yemeni missile reduced it to small fragments.
The aircraft targeted by Yemeni air defenses is an Italian-made “Typhoon,” one of the most prominent European fighter jets comparable to American F-15 and F-16 aircraft. However, it is distinguished by higher maneuverability capabilities and is both a fighter and bomber simultaneously.
Earlier on Thursday, the spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, announced: “Our Armed Forces, a short while ago succeeded in targeting a Saudi warplane of the ‘Typhoon’ type that took off from Taif Base.”
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a European multi-role combat aircraft classified among developed fourth-generation fighters (4.5). It is distinguished by high speed, maneuverability, air combat capability, and the ability to carry out attacks on ground targets.
It was developed through cooperation between four European countries: Britain, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and is used in a number of air forces around the world.
Technical Specifications
Name: Eurofighter Typhoon
Type: Multi-role fighter
Manufacturing Country: Joint European project
Length: 15.96 meters
Wingspan: 10.95–14.74 meters, depending on measurement method and source
Height: 5.28 meters
Engines: Two EJ200 jet engines
Maximum Speed: Approximately 2,495 km/h
Maximum Speed at High Altitudes: Nearly twice the speed of sound
Maximum Range (Declared): Approximately 2,900 km
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 23,500 kg
Crew: One or two pilots depending on version
Internal Cannon: 27mm cannon
Maximum External Payload: Up to 6,500 kg
Specifications are based on manufacturer data and the Italian Air Force; some details may vary by version and equipment.
Key Capabilities
1. High Speed
Maximum speed of approximately 2,495 km/h under suitable conditions.
Can exceed the speed of sound by a large margin.
Possesses a thrust-to-weight ratio that helps it accelerate and climb rapidly.
2. Maneuverability and Air Combat
Distinguished by delta wing design and small forward fins.
Can execute sharp maneuvers in aerial engagements.
Designed to confront enemy aircraft and intercept air targets.
3. Radar and Electronic Systems
Possesses radar and electronic systems to detect and track targets.
Includes threat warning and electronic jamming systems.
Radar capabilities and equipment vary by version and updates.
4. Armament
Can be equipped, depending on version and user, with air-to-air missiles such as Meteor and AMRAAM, in addition to air-to-ground missiles, guided bombs, and a 27mm internal cannon.
Countries Operating the Typhoon
Among the most prominent countries operating this fighter: Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. Numbers of aircraft, versions, and equipment vary from country to country.
Is the Typhoon Among the Strongest Warfighters?
It is considered among advanced fighters, particularly in air superiority, interception, and air combat missions. However, evaluating its strength depends on multiple factors, including:
Type of radar and its range for detecting targets.
Type of missiles used.
Electronic warfare capabilities.
Pilot training.
Support from early warning systems and other aircraft.
Conclusion: The Typhoon is distinguished by high speed, maneuverability, and diverse armament, but it is not a full stealth aircraft like fifth-generation fighters.