Three U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during active combat operations, as the United States also confirmed combat fatalities and serious injuries elsewhere in the theatre — highlighting the mounting risks facing coalition forces in the widening conflict with Iran.
Kuwait’s defense ministry said three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft crashed on Monday during Operation Epic Fury after being misidentified amid intense aerial activity that included Iranian aircraft, ballistic missile launches, and drone attacks.
All six aircrew members ejected safely and were quickly located by local residents near Ali Al Salem Air Base and the Al Jahra area before being transferred to medical facilities. Officials said the personnel are in stable condition.
Three American fighter jets downed over Kuwait as separate battlefield casualties underscore the human and operational toll of Operation Epic Fury
The aircraft were part of the 335th Fighter Squadron based in North Carolina and were flying combat support missions when the incident occurred. Kuwaiti authorities acknowledged the error and expressed support for ongoing U.S. operations. Both governments have opened investigations, with further details expected as inquiries progress.
The friendly fire episode marks the first confirmed loss of U.S. aircraft since the current phase of hostilities began and underscores the operational complexity of conducting air operations in a congested and contested environment.
Separately, U.S. officials confirmed that three American service members were killed in action during Operation Epic Fury, while five others sustained serious wounds. Several additional personnel suffered minor injuries, including shrapnel wounds and concussions, and are expected to return to duty after treatment.
Major combat operations remain underway, and military officials described the situation as fluid. The identities of those killed are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The incidents together illustrate the dual pressures facing U.S. forces: the direct threat from Iranian strikes and the elevated risk of miscalculation or system failure in a high-tempo, multinational combat environment.
With Iranian retaliatory attacks continuing and coalition air defenses operating at maximum alert, military planners are expected to review identification procedures and coordination protocols to reduce the risk of further friendly fire incidents as the operation enters a more sustained phase.
