Three US F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences in friendly fire incidents amid rising Iran-US-Israel tensions.
According to CENTCOM, all six aircrew members, two pilots aboard each aircraft, successfully ejected before the crashes and were safely recovered. (Photo: Social Media)
Amid rapidly escalating military tensions in the Gulf, three US F-15E “Strike Eagle” fighter jets were shot down in separate incidents by Kuwaiti air defences in what military officials described as friendly fire. The incidents occurred during ongoing regional operations as the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to intensify.
The confirmation came late Monday from United States Central Command, which said the jets were “mistakenly shot down” by Kuwaiti forces while conducting coordinated operations in the region.
According to CENTCOM, all six aircrew members, two pilots aboard each aircraft, successfully ejected before the crashes and were safely recovered.
“All six aircrew members, two on each plane, ejected safely, have been recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged the incident, and we appreciate the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026
Read more:https://t.co/i2y3Q3vo2E
Officials stressed that the incident took place during a period of unusually heavy air and missile defence activity as multiple threats moved through Gulf airspace.
Earlier on Monday, Iranian state-linked media circulated videos that appeared to show a US fighter jet spiralling downward before crashing in Kuwait. Footage shared by Iranian outlet Press TV showed a jet descending rapidly, followed by images of pilots ejecting and parachuting over desert terrain.
Additional clips on social media showed at least one pilot on the ground after landing safely. US and Kuwaiti authorities have not independently verified the footage or released further technical details about the incidents.
Another angle of this morning’s crash of an apparent shot down F-15 by “friendly fire” over Kuwait. pic.twitter.com/HCTXwW9vlq
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 2, 2026
The jets reportedly went down within Kuwaiti airspace during a period of heightened military alert across the Gulf.
In a related development, witnesses reported seeing smoke rising near the United States Embassy in Kuwait City. Emergency services, including firefighters and ambulances, were seen responding to the area.
While officials have not confirmed whether the embassy compound itself was directly hit, security alerts were reportedly issued advising US citizens to shelter in place and avoid outdoor movement. Embassy personnel were said to be sheltering indoors as a precaution amid continued missile and drone threats.
The current conflict erupted after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military and missile infrastructure. The attacks killed senior Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering widespread retaliation from Tehran.
Iran has since launched waves of missile and drone attacks targeting US forces and allied locations across the Gulf. Interceptions have been reported over Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, forcing temporary airspace closures and causing both military and civilian casualties.
US forces have responded with counter-strikes, including naval and air operations, marking one of the most serious confrontations between Washington and Tehran in decades.
