Kuwait downs three US jets in 'friendly fire' incident, crews survived, CENTCOM says
France 24
by FRANCE 24March 2, 2026
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In a surprising turn of events, three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during active combat operations. The incident occurred on Monday and was initially described as an "apparent friendly fire" event, with all six crew members safely ejecting and being recovered unharmed. Both the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Kuwaiti defense ministry confirmed the details, emphasizing that the response was coordinated with US forces. Despite the confusion, there were no casualties among the crew, who are now in stable condition.
The incident unfolded as part of broader regional tensions following Iranian retaliatory strikes across Gulf states, including Kuwait, in response to joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Over the past three days, Iran has targeted Gulf cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Manama with missile and drone strikes, resulting in five deaths so far, including one in Kuwait. The conflict escalated after the killing of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Tehran to vow revenge against US targets in the region.
Kuwait, a key US ally with a significant military presence, has been at the center of these developments. Earlier on Monday, its defenses intercepted hostile drones near areas like Rumaithiya and Salwa, where debris from explosions caused minor injuries to two workers at a refinery but no fatalities. The US embassy in Kuwait City issued warnings to citizens, urging them to shelter in place due to ongoing missile and UAV threats.
The incident raises questions about communication protocols and the risks of misidentification during intense military operations. While the crew's survival is a positive outcome, the downing of US jets highlights the complexities and potential dangers of coalition operations in conflict zones. This event underscores the fragile state of regional stability and the unpredictable nature of modern warfare, where even allies
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Originally published on France 24 on 3/2/2026