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Kuwaiti Air Defenses Mistakenly Shoot Down 3 US F-15 Jets; All Crew Safe
Three US F-15 fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses amid ongoing conflict involving Iran. All six crew members safely ejected and were recovered in stable condition, U.S. Central Command says.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-02
Kuwaiti Air Defenses Mistakenly Shoot Down 3 US F-15 Jets; All Crew Safe

Several US military aircraft have crashed in Kuwait after being mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defense systems, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Monday. The incident occurred amid ongoing hostilities linked to a broader U.S.–Iran conflict in the Middle East.

According to CENTCOM, three US Air Force F-15E fighter jets were brought down in what was described as an apparent friendly-fire incident during active combat operations. All six aircrew members aboard the three jets ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition. Kuwaiti authorities coordinated search and rescue efforts and transferred the crews to medical facilities for evaluation.

The incident unfolded as Iranian forces have been launching missiles, drones, and other attacks across the Gulf in retaliation for recent strikes by the United States and its allies on Iranian targets. Kuwait’s defense ministry initially reported that several U.S. warplanes had crashed but did not immediately detail the cause.

The friendly-fire shootdown highlights the heightened risks and complexities of the rapidly escalating conflict in the region, where airspace is crowded with military aircraft and air defense operators are on high alert. Investigations into the misidentification and circumstances leading to the incident are reportedly underway between U.S. and Kuwaiti military officials.

While Iranian state media has claimed responsibility for downing American aircraft over Kuwait, U.S. military sources have clarified that the jets were not shot down by Iranian forces but rather by Kuwaiti defenses during the heightened combat environment.

The broader conflict has already seen multiple exchanges of attacks and counterattacks in the region, with tensions continuing to affect civilian and military locations across Gulf states.

Tagged:

kuwait

MiddleEastConflict

USMilitary

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