3 American F-15 jets
U.S. warplanes were mistakenly shot down by a partner’s air defenses during a joint campaign, exposing the thin procedural margin protecting American forces in an expanding regional war.
Sources
Summary
Three American F-15 fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait in a friendly fire incident, with all six aircrew ejecting safely and recovered in stable condition.
The event occurred inside a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign that CENTCOM says involves U.S. operations alongside regional partners intercepting Iranian missiles and drones.
The shootdown and concurrent casualties among U.S. personnel based in Kuwait underscore operational risk to U.S. forces and the regional infrastructure supporting the ongoing campaign.
Media
Detail
<p>U.S. Central Command said Monday that three American F-15 fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait in a friendly fire incident, stating they were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defenses. CENTCOM reported all six aircrew ejected, were recovered, and were in stable condition.</p><p>CENTCOM said the aircraft were flying in support of Operation Epic Fury and crashed in Kuwait amid attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones that the U.S. and regional allies have been intercepting. CENTCOM said Kuwait acknowledged the incident and that it was grateful for Kuwaiti defense forces’ efforts and support.</p><p>Kuwait’s defense ministry said several U.S. warplanes had crashed, that search and rescue operations were launched, and that the crews were evacuated to hospitals in stable condition. The shootdown occurred on the third day of the Iran war, described as a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation. CENTCOM also said Sunday that three American service members were killed and five seriously wounded, with CBS News reporting the casualties were among U.S. personnel based in Kuwait.</p>