TAMPA, Fla. — United States Central Command confirmed that three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles went down over Kuwait late March 1 in what officials are describing as an apparent friendly fire incident.
According to CENTCOM, the aircraft were flying in support of Operation Epic Fury when the incident occurred at approximately 11:03 p.m. ET. During active combat operations that included reported attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones, the U.S. fighter jets were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defense systems.
Each F-15E carries a two-person crew. All six aircrew members successfully ejected from their aircraft and were safely recovered. Officials said the airmen are in stable condition. CENTCOM expressed appreciation for Kuwaiti defense forces for their role in the recovery effort and continued support of the ongoing operation.
The incident unfolded in what officials described as a high-intensity combat environment. With multiple aerial and missile threats in the air at the same time, air defense systems were actively responding to incoming targets. Friendly fire incidents in such conditions are often tied to identification challenges, compressed decision timelines, and rapidly evolving threat assessments.
Kuwait has acknowledged the incident. The cause remains under investigation, and CENTCOM stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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- NMD Staff
Staff@NewMediaDetroit.com