3 U.S. F-15s downed over Kuwait in friendly fire; all aircrew safe
Mar 2nd 2026
The U.S. military says three F-15s were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during strikes tied to the Iran war, but all six crew members ejected and were recovered in stable condition.
- CENTCOM said Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly shot down three American F-15s supporting Operation Epic Fury.
- All six aircrew ejected, were recovered and are in stable condition, the U.S. military said.
- The downings occurred amid Iranian attacks by aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones on the third day of the Iran war.
- CENTCOM separately reported that three U.S. service members were killed and five others were seriously wounded in Kuwait.
- Kuwait acknowledged the incident and conducted search and rescue operations, and President Trump said the joint operation will continue and could last up to four weeks.