Superhornets strike back. The world's just watched a turnaround in tactics worthy of a Hollywood thriller

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On Thursday night, over 100 weapons struck 60 targets in 16 Houthi rebel areas across Yemen. The scope of the strike on 16 different areas tells me that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has been watching the Houthis and developing targets for months. Every target was evaluated to reduce collateral damage to civilians, and in fact, that’s another reason for striking at night.

At the center of the action was the F/A-18EF Superhornet. Yes, it’s the same Superhornet plane flown by Tom Cruise in the movie "Top Gun: Maverick."

Of course, these Superhornets are playing for much higher stakes. They have Iran and China watching. And the world’s just seen a turnaround in tactics worthy of a Hollywood thriller.

US-UK COALITION STRIKE IRAN-BACKED HOUTHI TARGETS IN YEMEN AFTER SPATE OF SHIP ATTACKS IN RED SEA

For weeks, U.S. Navy ship crews and F/A-18EF Superhornet pilots in the Red Sea have been under tight limits.

Since the Houthis began their Red Sea war in October, U.S. Central Command’s rules dictated that the U.S. and allies could only shoot down the Houthi missiles and drones at the last minute. Sometimes the missiles and drones – all supplied by Iran – closed to within mere seconds of impact.

The Houthis got to take the first shot. Every time. And all their warehouses, drone launch areas, airfields and radars