Several U.S. warplanes crashed, crew survived: Kuwait Defence Ministry

The U.S. on Monday (March 2, 2026) issued a clarification that three fighter jets crashed in Kuwait in an apparent “friendly fire” incident. It said the cause of the incident is under investigation.

“At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident,” the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement. “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,” it added.

Iran-Israel conflict updates on March 2, 2026

The CENTCOM also confirmed that the crew members have ejected safely. “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. Additional information will be released as it becomes available,” it said.

At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.Read more:https://t.co/i2y3Q3vo2E— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026

At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.Read more:https://t.co/i2y3Q3vo2E

Earlier in the day, Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said that several American warplanes crashed in the country, amid Iran’s continued attacks in the Gulf region.

"Several US warplanes crashed this morning. Confirming that all crew members survived," a Defence Ministry spokesman said in a statement, adding that the cause was under investigation.

"Authorities immediately initiated search and rescue operations, evacuating the crews and transporting them to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. He noted that their condition is stable," the statement added.

(with AFP inputs)

Published - March 02, 2026 01:35 pm IST

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