Three United States F-15E Strike Eagles fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait air defenses during an active combat mission late on March 1. All six crewmen on board the jets safely parachuted out of the aircraft and are listed in stable condition, according to an official statement from the United States Central Command.
The fighter jets were shot down by Kuwait air defenses at 11:03 p.m. Eastern Time while supporting Operation Epic Fury. The Central Command stated that the fighter jets were shot down during an apparent case of friendly fire while attacking aircraft from Iran, ballistic missiles, and drones.
The aircrewmen from all six fighter jets parachuted safely out of the aircraft and were rescued by search and rescue units. The Central Command thanked the Kuwait Defense Forces for coordinating and supporting the operation while it was ongoing.
A spokesperson for Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the crash in a statement posted on X by the Kuwait Army, saying search and rescue teams responded immediately. The crews were transferred to a hospital for medical evaluation and their condition was described as stable.
The spokesperson stated that there was direct coordination between Kuwait authorities and United States forces regarding the circumstances of the shooting down of the fighter jet and that joint technical measures were implemented regarding the case.
A video circulating online shows a fighter jet on fire with a pilot parachuting out of the aircraft, although officials have not commented on the video.
The reason behind the shooting down of the fighter jet by Kuwait air defenses is yet to be determined, and officials from both countries stated that further information regarding the case would be provided as soon as possible.
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