Three US fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses in a “friendly fire incident,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Monday. The F-15 Strike Eagles were operating in support of Operation Epic Fury when they were struck amid ongoing attacks from Iranian aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles.

All six crew members successfully ejected and were recovered in stable condition, CENTCOM reported. Kuwaiti authorities have acknowledged the incident, emphasizing their cooperation in the aftermath. CENTCOM said the cause of the friendly fire is under investigation but praised the Kuwaiti defense forces for their swift response during the operation. The statement highlighted the challenging operational environment, noting that the incident occurred during a period of heightened aerial engagements in the region.

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Officials stressed that such occurrences underscore the risks inherent in complex multi-national operations, where split-second decisions must be made under combat conditions. CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Kuwaiti forces to review protocols and prevent future misidentifications.

The incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the region following increased Iranian drone and missile activity, which has prompted heightened coordination between US and allied forces in the Gulf. Military analysts said while the event is rare, it serves as a reminder of the importance of robust communication and identification systems during joint operations to safeguard personnel and assets in conflict zones.

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