Three U.S. F-15E jets downed by Kuwaiti defenses during Iranian attack; all crew rescued.
CENTCOM: Three U.S. F-15E Jets Shot Down in “Friendly Fire” Incident Over Kuwait
U.S. Central Command has officially confirmed that three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses early Monday morning.
The incident occurred during active combat operations as coalition forces were engaged in intercepting a large-scale Iranian attack involving aircraft, ballistic missiles, and one-way drones.
CENTCOM stated that the aircraft were flying in support of Operation Epic Fury when they were engaged in error by Kuwaiti defense systems.
All six aircrew members from the three dual-seat fighters successfully ejected from their aircraft before impact.
Search and rescue teams, coordinated between U.S. and Kuwaiti forces, recovered all personnel, who are currently reported to be in stable condition at a local hospital.
Footage circulating on social media showed at least one of the jets engulfed in flames and falling in a flat spin near the Al Jahra area, with parachutes visible in the same frame.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense acknowledged the incident and confirmed that direct coordination with U.S. forces is ongoing to investigate the technical failure that led to the friendly fire.
This event marks a significant loss of high-value assets during the third consecutive day of intense regional hostilities.
CENTCOM expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s rapid rescue efforts and emphasized that a full investigation into the cause of the engagement is underway.
