UPDATE: Three U.S. F-15s Shot Down By Kuwaiti Air Defenses
Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during active combat operations connected to Operation Epic Fury, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The incident happened around 11:03 p.m. ET Sunday while the aircraft were intercepting Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones in the region. Kuwaiti defenses mistakenly identified the jets as hostile targets and fired on them. All six aircrew members aboard the three aircraft successfully ejected and were rescued, with officials confirming they are in stable condition. Kuwait acknowledged the mistake and quickly launched search-and-rescue operations, while CENTCOM thanked Kuwaiti forces for their support and confirmed that the cause of the incident is still under investigation. Video verified near Al Jahra, west of Kuwait City, showed one jet falling and a parachute descending, with additional footage showing a rescued pilot being assisted by responders.
The downed jets were F-15E Strike Eagles, a dual-role combat aircraft designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making the loss of three aircraft a significant operational setback. The incident occurred during escalating conflict after the U.S.-Israeli launch of Operation Epic Fury, which targets Iranian military infrastructure. According to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the aircraft were not destroyed by enemy forces but by friendly fire, though the investigation continues. Meanwhile, Iran’s state media claimed Iranian forces shot down a U.S. jet, a claim rejected by U.S. officials. The event has raised concerns about identification protocols within the Patriot air defense system used by Kuwait, which relies on IFF (Identification Friend-or-Foe) technology to distinguish allied aircraft. The incident also highlights the delicate coordination required between allies, as Kuwait remains a key U.S. security partner while tensions with Iran continue to intensify across the Middle East.