Three US F-15 Fighter Jets Crashed in Kuwait During Operations Against Iran

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Three US F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets reportedly crashed over Kuwait on the evening of March 1, 2026, local time, or the morning of March 2, Kuwait time.

The incident was confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) as a case of "friendly fire" by Kuwaiti air defense systems.

This shocking incident happened amidst the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.

This tragic incident involved three advanced F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets on a mission supporting joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran.

Although the aircraft were destroyed, all six crew members, consisting of three pilots and three weapons systems officers, ejected safely.

The incident involving the shooting down of three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets happened on March 1, 2026, at approximately 11:03 p.m. ET, or the morning of March 2, Kuwaiti time.

The jets were shot down over Kuwaiti territory by the country's air defense system, which classified as friendly fire.

Video circulating online shows one of the jets crashing in the Al Jahra area of ​​Kuwait, with smoke billowing from the crash site.

The three fighter jets were on a mission supporting "Operation Epic Fury," a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation launched on February 28, 2026, in response to Iranian attacks involving aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.

Despite the unfortunate incident, all six crew members, including three pilots and three weapons systems officers, ejected safely.

They have been evacuated and are reportedly in stable condition, a fact emphasized by CENTCOM.US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.

This incident happens amid a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, with Iran launching retaliatory attacks on multinational bases and civilian infrastructure across the region.

Reports also indicate that Iranian attacks have killed five people in the Gulf region, including one in Kuwait.

This situation creates a highly complex and high-risk operational environment, where misidentification of targets can occur even with advanced air defense systems.

Smoke was seen billowing from around the US embassy compound in Kuwait City following the incident, and the embassy issued a security alert.

Increased military activity and drone and missile threats have put air defense systems across the region on high alert.

While this friendly fire incident represents a setback, both the United States and Kuwait reaffirmed their commitment to defense cooperation.

Kuwait is a key strategic hub for US operations in the Gulf.