Three US fighter jets shot down by Kuwait air defences amid Iran tensions

Several U.S. fighter jets have crashed in Kuwait near Ali Al Salem Air Base, with all crew members reported safe, according to Kuwaiti authorities. The incident occurred against the backdrop of escalating regional hostilities involving Iran and U.S. forces in the Gulf.

The Kuwaiti military confirmed that a search-and-rescue operation was launched immediately after the crash. The aircrew were transported to hospital for precautionary checks and are said to be in stable condition. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence stated it is coordinating closely with the U.S. military and that “joint technical measures” are underway. An official investigation has been opened, but authorities have not yet confirmed how many aircraft were involved or the definitive cause of the incident.

Video footage verified by CNN shows what appears to be a twin-engine fighter jet crashing a few kilometres from the base. According to CNN’s analysis, the aircraft resembles an F-15E Strike Eagle, though the possibility that it could be an F/A-18 has not been ruled out. Both types are operated by U.S. forces, while Kuwait also flies F/A-18 variants.

The crash comes amid intense Iranian bombardments targeting Gulf states. Iranian state-linked outlet Tasnim News Agency claimed that Iranian air defences shot down an American F-15 over Kuwait, alleging the aircraft was preparing to strike Iran. Iranian officials have also claimed responsibility for an attack on the nearby U.S. air base.

However, alternative explanations remain under consideration. Bloomberg reported that “friendly fire” has not been ruled out — a scenario in which allied or domestic air defence systems mistakenly target their own aircraft during periods of heavy military activity. Such incidents are not unprecedented during high-intensity operations, when radar systems tracking multiple incoming threats can misidentify aircraft.

In late 2024, the U.S. Navy mistakenly shot down one of its own F/A-18 fighters after misidentifying it as an incoming anti-ship missile — an episode frequently cited as an example of the risks posed by dense air defence environments.

Modern fighter aircraft such as the F-15E and F/A-18 cost tens of millions of dollars apiece and represent critical assets in U.S. regional operations. When American combat aircraft crash overseas, formal technical and operational investigations are standard procedure.

As of now, neither Kuwaiti nor U.S. officials have publicly confirmed hostile fire as the cause. With the region on edge and air defence systems on high alert, the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under intense scrutiny.

UPDATE

Three US fighter jets went down “due to an apparent friendly fire incident,” the US military has announced.

Kuwaiti air defences accidentally shot the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets down late Sunday ET time, the statement went on to say.

“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 defences,” a statement from US Central Command said. “All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation.”

The cause of the incident is under investigation, according to CENTCOM. The jets were flying in support of the military operation against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury.