Misidentification Error: Kuwait Shoots Down Three US Fighter Jets During Iran Operations

Three United States Air Force fighter jets were shot down in Kuwaiti airspace on Sunday, 1 March 2026 in a friendly fire incident acknowledged as a misidentification by the country’s air defence systems. The incident occurred amid active combat operations also involving Iranian attacks in the region.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Monday that three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets involved in military operations “Operation Epic Fury” were shot down owing to a friendly fire incident.

“Three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets flying in support of Operation Epic Fury were shot down over Kuwait in a friendly fire incident. During active combat—which included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones—the US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait’s air defence systems,” CENTCOM stated.

The incident occurred during active combat operations, including attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones. In the intense combat situation, Kuwait’s air defence system mistakenly identified the US fighter jets as a threat.

CENTCOM added that all aircraft crew members successfully ejected and survived.

“All six aircraft crew members successfully ejected and survived,” the statement said.

US military officials also noted that the Kuwaiti government had acknowledged the incident. “Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we appreciate the efforts of Kuwait’s defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” CENTCOM continued.

Friendly fire incidents during active combat conditions are not unprecedented, especially when multiple air defence systems are activated simultaneously to respond to threats from various directions. However, the loss of three fighter jets at once in an allied nation’s territory represents one of the most serious incidents since the latest military operations commenced.