This Monday morning, March 2, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement confirming that three U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bombers were shot down in a friendly fire incident over Kuwait. The lost aircraft were conducting air cover and defense missions in the area amid attacks carried out by Iran in response to Operation Epic Fury launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
According to CENTCOM’s official statement, the incident occurred on March 1 at 23:03 (U.S. Eastern Time). The declaration notes that, during active combat operations involving attacks by Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones, the U.S. Air Force fighters were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.
The U.S. military command stated that “During active combat — which included attacks by Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — U.S. Air Force fighters were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.” It further specified that “all six crew members safely ejected, have been recovered, and are in stable condition,” adding that Kuwait acknowledged the incident.
CENTCOM also expressed in its statement that “Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we appreciate the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.” The command indicated that the cause of the incident remains under investigation and that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Initially, available information was limited and unconfirmed reports circulated regarding the crash of at least one F-15 in the Middle East. Videos shared online showed an aircraft in a flat spin and engulfed in flames, with its vertical stabilizers apparently detached and fire visible from the rear section before impacting the ground.
Subsequent images showed at least one crew member on the ground, standing next to his parachute, with no visible insignia on his uniform. Another recording displayed a crew member in the back of a sport utility vehicle, apparently in good overall condition, although authorities did not provide further details regarding his identity.
Several countries in the region operate the F-15, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, amid heightened aerial activity linked to operations against Iran and defensive efforts against drone and missile attacks (within this context, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was also targeted by Iranian attacks without success). However, following the initial reports, CENTCOM officially confirmed that the three downed aircraft were USAF F-15E Strike Eagles deployed within its area of responsibility, reiterating that the incident resulted from friendly fire by Kuwaiti air defenses.
Image credits to respective owners.
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