Kuwait Shoots Down US Jets in Friendly-Fire: CENTCOM Says

Kuwait Shoots Down US Jets During Combat Operations, CENTCOM Reports

March 2, 2026

Kuwaiti air defence systems mistakenly shot down three United States fighter jets during active combat operations in the Gulf region, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Monday, describing the episode as an apparent friendly-fire incident amid escalating regional conflict.

According to CENTCOM, the aircraft involved were U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets operating in support of ongoing military operations against Iran when they were accidentally targeted by Kuwaiti defences responding to simultaneous aerial threats.

Incident During Active Combat

The incident occurred during intense military activity that included attacks involving Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones. CENTCOM said Kuwaiti air defence forces mistakenly identified the American jets as hostile targets while responding to incoming threats.

All six crew members aboard the three aircraft safely ejected and were later recovered. Military officials confirmed that the personnel are in stable condition, with no fatalities reported.

“During active combat…the U.S. CENTCOM said in an official statement that Kuwaiti air defense systems accidentally shot down U.S. Air Force fighter jets.

Kuwait acknowledged the incident and is cooperating with U.S. authorities in an ongoing investigation to determine how the misidentification occurred.

LATEST NEWS ———- >>>Trump Says Iranian Leaders Are Seeking Talks

First US Aircraft Losses in Current Conflict

The downing marks the first loss of U.S. aircraft since the latest phase of fighting involving the United States, Israel, and Iran began. The conflict has rapidly expanded across the Gulf, with missile and drone attacks reported in multiple countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Footage circulating online appeared to show a jet descending in flames while a pilot parachuted to safety, highlighting the dangers of operating in crowded, fast-moving combat environments.

Falling debris from the incident reportedly caused minor injuries to workers near Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, underscoring the broader risks to civilian infrastructure during the escalation.

Investigation Underway

U.S. and Kuwaiti military officials have launched a joint investigation into the friendly-fire episode. Analysts say such incidents can occur during complex air defence operations when multiple airborne threats appear simultaneously on radar systems.

CENTCOM expressed appreciation for Kuwaiti rescue efforts and reaffirmed continued cooperation between the two allied nations.

Despite the accident, Kuwait reiterated its support for U.S. military operations and emphasised that the engagement was unintentional.

Regional Tensions Rising

The friendly-fire incident comes amid heightened tensions following large-scale retaliatory strikes and expanding military exchanges across the Middle East. Governments across the region have issued security warnings, while the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait advised American citizens to shelter in place as precautionary measures.

Security experts warn that crowded airspace, missile interceptions, and drone warfare significantly increase the risk of accidental engagements between allied forces.

News Source

Read the original report here:
🔗 Kuwait shoots down US jets in friendly-fire incident, US CENTCOM says