Kuwait downs U.S. fighter jets in apparent friendly-fire incident, CENTCOM says

Summary

Kuwait’s air defences mistakenly shot down U.S. fighter aircraft during active combat operations, according to U.S. Central Command, with all crew members ejecting safely. The incident underscores the risk of miscalculation as Iranian retaliatory strikes continue across the Gulf.

KUWAIT CITY, March 2, 2026 — Kuwait’s air defence systems shot down three U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter jets during combat operations on Monday in what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described as an apparent friendly-fire incident.

All six crew members ejected safely, were recovered and are in stable condition, CENTCOM said, adding that an investigation is underway and Kuwaiti authorities have acknowledged the incident.

The loss marks the first known U.S. aircraft losses since the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran began over the weekend, highlighting the operational risks as hostilities intensify across the region.

“During active combat — that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

Video footage circulating online and verified by journalists showed an aircraft descending in Kuwait’s Al Jahra area with a parachute visible nearby.

Embassy smoke and drone interceptions

In a separate development, smoke was seen rising from the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait City, with emergency vehicles deployed to the area. Officials did not immediately confirm the cause.

Kuwait said it intercepted hostile drones earlier on Monday, marking the third consecutive day of Iranian retaliatory strikes against Gulf states following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Iranian state media had cited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as claiming Iranian forces struck a U.S. aircraft that later crashed in Kuwait, though this claim differs from the U.S. account.

The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert warning American citizens of ongoing missile and drone threats and advising them to shelter in place and avoid visiting diplomatic facilities.

Energy infrastructure and regional impact

Two workers sustained minor injuries from falling debris at Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, according to Kuwait National Petroleum Company.

Kuwaiti authorities said air defences intercepted most drones near residential areas including Rumaithiya and Salwa, with no additional injuries reported.

Loud blasts and sirens were heard across Kuwait during the morning, while explosions were also reported in Dubai and Doha, underscoring the widening geographical scope of the confrontation.

Tehran has said it would target U.S. bases in the region following the launch of U.S.-Israeli strikes. Missile and drone activity has since affected both military and civilian locations across Gulf cities, raising concerns over aviation safety, energy facilities and regional trade routes.

Why This Matters

• Operational risk: Friendly-fire incidents highlight the complexity of multi-country air defence operations.
• Escalation concerns: Continued strikes increase the likelihood of further miscalculations.
• Aviation safety: Military activity near major air corridors heightens risk for regional flights.
• Energy security: Ongoing hostilities near key infrastructure could disrupt global oil supply chains.

FAQs

Q1. What happened to the U.S. fighter jets?

Three U.S. F-15 aircraft were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences during active combat operations, according to CENTCOM.

Q2. Were there casualties?

No fatalities were reported. All six crew members ejected safely and are in stable condition.

Q3. Why were the jets shot down?

Officials described the incident as an apparent friendly-fire event during intense combat involving missiles, drones and aircraft. An investigation is ongoing.

Q4. Did Iran shoot down the aircraft?

Iranian state media claimed Iranian forces hit a U.S. aircraft, but U.S. officials said the jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences.

Q5. Was the U.S. Embassy targeted?

Smoke was seen near the embassy compound, but authorities have not confirmed the cause. Security warnings remain in effect.

Q6. How is the wider region affected?

Drone interceptions, minor refinery injuries and explosions reported in multiple Gulf cities point to escalating regional instability with implications for aviation, energy infrastructure and trade routes.