Kuwait City: The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed Monday that Kuwaiti air defenses “mistakenly shot down” three American F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets during a high-stakes combat mission over Kuwait, as Iran unleashed its first major aerial offensive of the war involving aging combat aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drone swarms.
The unprecedented friendly fire incident occurred amid Iran’s third day of relentless strikes across the Gulf following US-Israel operations that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. CENTCOM confirmed all six aircrew members ejected safely, were swiftly recovered by joint rescue teams, and remain in stable condition receiving medical evaluation.
“Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly engaged our F-15E Strike Eagles during intense combat operations,” CENTCOM stated. “We’re grateful for Kuwait’s immediate acknowledgment and the heroic efforts of their defense forces in supporting recovery operations.” The statement detailed Iran’s multi-vector attack—marking the first combat deployment of Tehran’s Soviet-era fleet since the conflict erupted—including fighter jets challenging US air superiority alongside precision missiles and kamikaze drones targeting Kuwaiti airspace.
Preliminary investigations point to battlefield confusion in the chaotic skies, where Kuwaiti Patriot batteries and US assets operated in close proximity defending against 20+ incoming threats. The F-15Es, twin-engine multirole fighters valued at $80 million each, were on combat air patrol supporting ground defenses when radar locks and proximity triggered the tragic error.
This development compounds a tumultuous 24 hours: earlier Monday, Kuwait reported “several US warplanes crashed” with all crews surviving, while Iran’s IRNA claimed downing an F-15—claims US officials dismissed as propaganda. The strikes follow Iran’s barrage on UAE (3 dead, 58 injured), Saudi Ras Tanura refinery drone attack, and Bahrain intercepts, stretching regional defenses thin.
Military analysts note the friendly fire underscores operational complexities when allies share congested airspace under missile saturation. Kuwait hosts key US bases like Ali Salem, serving as launchpads for regional operations. Washington praised the “ironclad partnership,” vowing joint reviews to prevent recurrences while maintaining offensive tempo against Iranian assets.
President Trump reiterated US resolve: “Our warriors come home—always. Iran learns the hard way.” Global carriers continue suspending flights amid airspace closures, with oil hovering above $72/barrel. The incident elevates escalation risks as Iran’s Provisional Leadership Council signals no surrender.
