Kuwaiti Air Defences "Mistakenly" Downed Three US F-15E Fighter Jets Over Kuwait Amid Iran Conflict

Kuwait City: During the escalating US-Iran conflict, three US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were "accidentally" shot down by Kuwaiti air defence systems late Sunday evening (US Eastern Time).

According to an official statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM) the incident was reportedly seen as friendly fire.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:03 p.m. ET (9:33 AM IST), while the jets were supporting Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing US-led military campaign against Iranian targets.

Amid intense combat involving Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drone attacks, the US jets were mistakenly identified and engaged by Kuwaiti defences.

“All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition,” CENTCOM stated. “Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation.”

The cause of the misidentification is currently under investigation. The jets were operating in a high-threat environment with active enemy fire from Iran, which may have contributed to the confusion in crowded airspace.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence issued an early statement on Monday confirming that “several” US military aircraft had crashed, while claiming that all crews had survived. Videos circulating online, geolocated to areas near Al Jahra in Kuwait, showed at least one fighter jet crashing and a pilot parachuting to safety.

No fatalities were reported, and the incident has not resulted in any loss of US personnel.

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