Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of the U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti short-range air defense systems near Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
“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,” CENTCOM said. All six aircrew ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition.
Video footage of the incident shows an F-15E in a flat spin, engulfed in flames, with both vertical tails missing before it struck the ground.
Footage of an F-15 falling out of the sky this morning over Kuwait, in an apparent “friendly fire” incident involving the U.S. Air Force. pic.twitter.com/GQvryfJ4C4
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 2, 2026
Another video circulating on social media shows Kuwaiti residents assisting a U.S. F-15E pilot who was shot down in a friendly-fire incident. In the footage, a local man approaches the female pilot, offers help, and expresses gratitude for her service.
A video has surfaced on social media showing residents of Kuwait offering help to an American F-15E pilot, who was shot down by friendly fire.
In the footage, a local man approaches the woman, asks if she needs assistance, and thanks her for her support. pic.twitter.com/ztKrLUPNWp
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 2, 2026
CENTCOM said the incident is now under investigation.“Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” CENTCOM added.
In a statement, Kuwait’s defense ministry confirmed that multiple U.S. warplanes had crashed in the country. A ministry spokesperson said the crew were transported to medical facilities and are now in stable condition.
The jets went down on the third day of the ongoing conflict with Iran, a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation, known in Israel as Roaring Lion and in the U.S. as Operation Epic Fury. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile strikes targeting Israel and neighboring Arab countries.
CENTCOM said Monday that six American service members were killed in the ongoing operation.
CENTCOM Update
TAMPA, Fla. – As of 4 pm ET, March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in action. U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran’s initial attacks in the region.…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026
