Update - 8:30 AM Eastern:
CENTCOM has updated its statement on the incident:
TAMPA, Fla. – At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.
During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.
All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.
The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Original Story:
Three U.S. F-15 fighter jets were damaged over Kuwait as tensions tied to Iran escalated, and U.S. defenses were already active. Aircraft were in the air. The airspace was tense.
Early reports moved fast. Multiple reports stated that U.S. aircraft had crashed in Kuwait as military activity intensified across the region. Other coverage described “several” U.S. warplanes going down as the situation unfolded. Headlines tied the crashes directly to the widening confrontation.
With smoke visible and emergency vehicles en route, social media filled in the blanks before official statements did. In a region already on edge from Iranian missile and drone activity, speculation moved quickly.
U.S. Central Command issued its clarification:
"Three U.S. F-15 aircraft were involved in a friendly fire incident during defensive operations in Kuwait. The aircraft were operating in support of ongoing defensive missions in the region at the time of the incident. All aircrew are safe. All three pilots landed safely, and there were no reported injuries. The incident is under investigation, and a review is underway to determine the sequence of events and ensure appropriate accountability.”
Three aircraft. Friendly fire. Defensive operations.
The F-15 is a front-line air superiority fighter, frequently tasked with defensive patrols and rapid-response intercepts. In a heightened threat environment, those aircraft operate alongside layered missile defense systems, airborne early warning platforms, and ground-based radar assets. Engagement windows compress quickly when multiple systems are tracking at once.
U.S. forces across the Gulf have been operating under an elevated pressure following Iranian missile and drone launches tied to ongoing Operation Epic Fury. Air defense batteries remain active. Fighters rotate through patrol cycles. Multiple platforms were operating over Kuwaiti airspace when the incident occurred.
🇺🇸 A U.S. F-15 fighter jet was downed over Kuwait.
— Europa.com (@europa) March 2, 2026
The pilot ejected safely and survived.
Follow: @europa pic.twitter.com/i1fKwIc2lx
Video circulating online showed smoke rising in the distance and responders converging. Early headlines reflected the intensity of the moment. The official statement narrowed the scope.
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CENTCOM confirmed the pilots were able to eject safely. No injuries were reported.
Images later showed one of the pilots seated in the back of a vehicle, alert and conscious, being assisted by Kuwaiti citizens. The aircraft were damaged. The aircrew survived.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 2, 2026
The U.S. F-15 fighter jet pilot who was down over Kuwait moments ago in a friendly fire incident is alive.
He ejected and is now being taken care of by a group of Kuwaitis pic.twitter.com/XhIZK5rUTW
Friendly fire incidents are rare but not unheard of in dense operational environments where multiple systems are reacting at once. Investigators will now examine timing, coordination, and identification procedures during the engagement.
Three jets were hit. No pilots were lost.
Editor's Note: This article was updated post-publication for clarity.
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