Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle jets were shot down over Kuwait in an apparent friendly fire incident on March 1, military officials confirmed, with all six aircrew safely recovered. The aircraft were operating as part of Operation Epic Fury under active combat conditions.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the incident occurred at 11:03 p.m. Eastern Time on March 1. According to the official statement, the jets were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defence systems while responding to attacks involving Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.
“All six aircrew have been safely recovered and are in stable condition,” the CENTCOM release stated. The U.S. military acknowledged Kuwait’s cooperation and expressed gratitude for the efforts of Kuwaiti defence forces during the ongoing operation.
The incident remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed additional operational details, including the precise location of the shootdown within Kuwaiti territory or whether the aircraft were returning from or actively engaging targets at the time. CENTCOM noted that further information will be released as it becomes available.
This incident underscores the complexities of joint military operations in active combat zones, where coordination between allied forces is critical to prevent accidental engagements. The U.S. Air Force has emphasized that the investigation will determine the cause of the friendly fire incident, with lessons expected to inform future operational protocols in the region.
Operation Epic Fury, which involves coalition forces, has faced ongoing threats from missile and drone attacks launched by Iranian forces. The friendly fire incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, where U.S. and allied assets are engaged in ongoing counter-strike and defensive operations.
Officials confirmed that all six aircrew were quickly located and recovered without injury, highlighting the efficiency of search and rescue procedures in high-risk environments. The U.S. military continues to coordinate closely with Kuwaiti defence authorities to assess the circumstances of the shootdown and ensure operational safety in the region.
CENTCOM’s statement reaffirmed that safeguarding personnel remains a top priority while operations continue in contested airspace. The ongoing review aims to prevent recurrence and maintain coordination among coalition partners during combat engagements.
