Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles Shot Down by Kuwaiti Air Defenses in Friendly Fire Incident

Summary

On March 2, 2026, three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down over Kuwait in an apparent friendly fire incident involving Kuwaiti air defense systems. The incident occurred during operations responding to Iranian missile and drone attacks in the region. Videos circulating online showed at least one F-15 being struck by surface-to-air fire, catching fire, and spiraling out of control before the crew ejected. All crew members from the three aircraft survived the incident and were recovered by Kuwaiti forces.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense confirmed the downing of "several U.S. warplanes" and stated that all crew members survived and were transported to hospitals for medical evaluation. Open-source intelligence investigators traced equipment visible in photos to the 335th Fighter Squadron based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, identifying the aircraft as U.S. Air Force assets. The incident appears to have involved short-range air defense systems, possibly with infrared-guided missiles, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed the incident, which represents a significant operational failure in coordination between allied forces during a high-tempo combat environment. The friendly fire incident occurred as U.S. and regional forces were engaged in defensive operations against Iranian attacks, highlighting the challenges of operating in a complex airspace with multiple allied air defense systems active simultaneously. An investigation is currently underway, with Kuwait and the U.S. coordinating to return the affected crews to their home bases.

• Open-source intelligence linked the downed aircraft to the 335th Fighter Squadron from Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina
• The incident highlights coordination challenges in coalition air defense operations during high-tempo combat situations