U.S. F-15s Downed in Kuwait Amidst Operation Epic Fury
KUWAIT CITY – Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait on March 1, 2026, during ongoing combat operations as part of “Operation Epic Fury,” U.S. officials confirmed. The incident is attributed to friendly fire from Kuwaiti air defenses. All six aircrew members ejected safely.
The U.S. Central Command reported the incident occurred at 11:03 p.m. ET. While active combat – including attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones – was underway, Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly targeted the American fighter jets.
Iranian media outlets have claimed their forces, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, were responsible for downing the aircraft, a claim U.S. officials have not corroborated.
The F-15E Strike Eagle is a critical asset in the U.S. Air Force arsenal. First flown in 1986, it entered service in 1989 and has since become a mainstay for air forces globally. The aircraft is capable of exceeding Mach 2.5, reaching speeds over 1,800 mph, and carries a substantial payload of up to 23,000 pounds of ordnance, including laser-guided bombs and air-to-air missiles.
The F-15 boasts a strong combat record and is equipped with the ACES II ejection system, designed for pilot safety in high-risk situations.
The United States has exported the F-15 to several countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Singapore, and Qatar. Israel’s air force has the most recorded aerial combat victories using the F-15E. The U.S. Air Force is currently procuring an upgraded version, the F-15EX Eagle II.
This incident underscores the complexities and risks inherent in modern warfare, particularly in a volatile region like the Middle East. The loss of three F-15s represents a significant, though not irreparable, blow to U.S. air power capabilities in the area.