Kuwaiti Air Defenses Down Three U.S. F-15s in Friendly Fire Incident
KUWAIT CITY – Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets on Monday during active combat, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed. The incident occurred as U.S. aircraft were supporting Operation Epic Fury, which involved attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.
All six aircrew members ejected safely, according to CENTCOM. The command described the incident as an “apparent friendly fire” event.
The downed aircraft were part of a U.S. Air Force contingent operating in the region. The precise circumstances leading to the misidentification remain under investigation.
“At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles… went down over Kuwait,” CENTCOM stated in a press release.
This incident underscores the heightened tensions in the region and the complexities of operating in a contested airspace. The involvement of Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones highlights the volatile security situation.
A video circulating online appears to show the moment Kuwaiti defenses engaged the U.S. jets. (See: )
The incident comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts and maintain stability. The U.S. military continues to assess the situation and work with Kuwaiti officials to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
