3 US F-15E Jets Shot Down over Kuwait in Friendly Fire during next Iranian Attack; All Crew Safe

Moneylife Digital Team 02 March 2026

Investor Interest

Three US F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down over Kuwait in what American military officials described as an apparent friendly fire incident during active combat operations involving Iranian attacks, according to a statement released by the US central command (USCENTCOM).

In a statement issued from Tampa, Florida, USCENTCOM says the aircraft went down at 11:03pm ET on 1st March while flying in support of Operation Epic Fury. “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,” the release says.

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.

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— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026

The incident occurred during active combat conditions that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. The US military says the jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences amid the engagement.

“During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” the statement says.

The episode marks a significant escalation in hostilities, as it is the first time Iran’s ageing combat aircraft fleet has been directly engaged in the conflict, alongside missile and drone strikes.

USCENTCOM confirmed that all six aircrew members aboard the three aircraft ejected safely.

“All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition,” the statement says.

The command added that Kuwait has acknowledged the incident. “Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” it says.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. No further operational details are immediately disclosed, including the precise location of the shootdown within Kuwaiti territory or whether the aircraft were returning from or conducting strikes at the time.

“The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available,” the statement added.

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