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Kuwaiti F/A-18 shoots down three US F-15E Strike Eagles in friendly fire incident — all six crew eject safely
·Kuwait
Three USAF F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down over Kuwait by friendly fire from a Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18C approximately 48 hours into Operation Epic Fury. All six crew members ejected safely. The $282 million aircraft loss within the first two days of the conflict drew sharp criticism of allied air coordination protocols.
Three United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down over Kuwait on March 2, 2026 — approximately 48 hours after the start of Operation Epic Fury. The aircraft were downed by friendly fire from a Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18C pilot who misidentified the F-15s during a complex multi-nation air engagement. All six crew members ejected safely and were recovered. The Pentagon confirmed the incident, describing it as an operational coordination failure under contested airspace conditions. The combined loss of three F-15Es represented approximately 82 million in aircraft (at 4 million flyaway cost each) and was described by critics as " operational incompetence" in the opening days of the war. The incident prompted immediate review of allied IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) protocols across the coalition. Kuwait later expressed deep regret over the incident.
Actor responses
Pentagon confirmed the loss of three F-15Es to friendly fire over Kuwait. All six crew ejected safely. An investigation into airspace coordination procedures has been initiated.
Allied airspace coordination under active conflict conditions is extremely complex. Israel is working with coalition partners to review and improve deconfliction protocols.