Three US Warplanes Were Mistakenly Shot Down By Kuwait Air Defence: CENTCOM

New Delhi: Three US warplanes were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait air defences late on Sunday night, the US Central Command said, an incident that occurred during active fighting that included Iranian attacks.

"Three US F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident. 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," CENTCOM said Monday, adding that all six aircrew ejected and were safe.

"Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation," it added.

Kuwait's Ministry of Defence confirmed that all crew members survived the incidents and are currently in stable condition. Earlier, in a statement shared by the Kuwait Army on X, the ministry spokesperson said that "several US military aircraft crashed this morning," but did not provide details about the exact number of planes involved, their type, or the cause of the crashes.

Rescue teams were immediately deployed to the crash sites. Officials said search and rescue operations began without delay, and the crews were safely evacuated. The injured personnel were taken to a hospital for medical examination and necessary care. Authorities confirmed that their health condition is stable.

A video shows a US military jet descending rapidly before a pilot ejects from the aircraft. The parachute opens successfully, and the pilot is seen drifting slowly toward the ground.

The incidents come at a time of heightened military activity in the Middle East due to rising tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

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