In a significant friendly fire incident during Operation Epic Fury, three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the event occurred around 7:00 a.m. local time as the aircraft were engaged in combat operations to intercept Iranian missiles, drones, and aircraft. While Iran’s state media and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the downed jets, American officials have formally rejected those assertions, attributing the loss to a mistaken engagement by allied forces.
All six aircrew members aboard the three jets successfully ejected and were recovered in stable condition. CENTCOM expressed gratitude toward the Kuwaiti defense forces for their rapid search-and-rescue efforts, which were geolocated by Reuters near the Al Jahra region, west of Kuwait City. Visual evidence from the scene showed at least one aircraft falling and pilots being assisted by local responders. Although Kuwaiti authorities initially referenced engaging “hostile aerial targets,” they have since acknowledged the error and are cooperating with U.S. investigators. At a Pentagon briefing, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed the loss of the aircraft and emphasized that the incident did not result from hostile enemy fire. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remained silent on the matter during the same briefing. As a joint investigation continues, the focus remains on the technical measures and coordination failures that led to this high-stakes tactical error during a period of intense regional activity.
