Three US F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during active combat operations, US Central Command said Monday. The incident occurred amid Iranian attacks involving aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones. All six American crew members ejected safely, preventing fatalities in a tense regional escalation.
According to US Central Command, the F-15E Strike Eagles were flying in support of Operation Epic Fury when they went down over Kuwait. The military described the incident as an apparent friendly fire case during intense fighting conditions. Officials said Iranian aerial and missile attacks were underway at the time. Despite the confusion, all aircrew members survived after ejecting from the aircraft.
Read more: Global protests erupt after Iran strikes, 23 dead in Pakistan
In a statement, CENTCOM thanked Kuwaiti defense forces for their cooperation during the emergency response. Kuwaiti authorities acknowledged the incident and confirmed immediate coordination with US forces. The episode highlights the complexity of air defense operations during fast-moving combat situations. Investigations are now underway to determine the exact sequence of events.
Earlier, Kuwait’s defense ministry reported that several American warplanes had crashed but confirmed their crews were safe. A ministry spokesman said search and rescue teams quickly evacuated the pilots and transported them to hospital. Officials described their condition as stable following medical evaluations. The ministry added that the cause of the crash remains under review.
Read more: Iran does not rely on ‘one individual’: official
The downing of the jets comes as the United States and Israel intensify strikes against Iranian targets. Tehran has responded with retaliatory attacks on regional bases, raising fears of broader escalation. Military analysts say friendly fire incidents, though rare, can occur during high-pressure operations involving multiple air defense systems. The situation continues to evolve as regional tensions remain high.