3 US fighter jets accidentally shot down by allied forces

Three American F-15E fighter Jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwait’s air defense network.

By World Israel News Staff

Three American fighter jets were accidentally shot down this week by allied forces in a friendly fire incident, the US military announced.

All three fighter jets were F-15E Strike Eagles, the US Central Command said, adding they were shot down by Kuwait’s air defense network.

The F-15E, a derivative of the F-15 Eagle introduced in the late 1980s, has two crew members, including a pilot and a weapons systems officer.

“Three US F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident,” US Central Command said.

CENTCOM emphasized that the crew members of the planes were all able to eject in time.

“During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.”

“All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident.”

The US military said that Kuwait has acknowledged the incident and that an investigation into the friendly fire has been launched.

“We are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.”

Footage of the shootdowns circulated on social media Monday, along with videos of some of the aircrew members after they were recovered.

A day earlier, the US announced that three service members were killed and five seriously injured during Iranian attacks on American bases in the Middle East as of Sunday morning.

“Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,” CENTCOM said.