The Pentagon said a Kuwait friendly fire incident led to the loss of three American fighter jets as Iranian aircraft, missiles and drones attacked targets in the region, prompting a fast-moving air-defense response over Kuwait. U.S. officials said Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly identified the aircraft and engaged them during the wider barrage.
All six U.S. aircrew members aboard the three F-15E Strike Eagle jets ejected safely, were recovered and were reported in stable condition. U.S. forces said an investigation is underway to determine how the misidentification happened and what coordination gaps may have contributed during the high-tempo air battle.
Key details released by U.S. officials include:
- Three U.S. F-15E jets were downed by Kuwaiti air defenses
- The shootdowns occurred amid an ongoing Iranian air assault
- Six crew members ejected and were recovered safely
The U.S. said it is working with Kuwait as part of the review process, with the aim of reducing the risk of another Kuwait friendly fire incident during coalition operations under air-raid conditions.
