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US F-15Es Downed in Kuwait Due to Friendly Fire

Investigation Points to Kuwaiti F/A-18 Misidentification

An investigation into the loss of three US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles over Kuwait indicates that the jets may have been mistakenly engaged by a Kuwaiti F/A-18 fighter. The incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury, with all six aircrew ejecting safely and being recovered in stable condition. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Kuwaiti pilot may have misidentified the approaching US jets amid heightened alert conditions. The incident highlights the challenges of operating in a compressed battlespace with multiple coalition aircraft and drones. This was first reported by AeroTime.

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    Source: AeroTime (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1772611290371-3005
    URL: https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/kuwaiti-fa18-shot-down-three-us-f15e-friendly-fire-wsj
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    Home Categories DEFENSE & SECURITY

    US F-15Es Downed in Kuwait Due to Friendly Fire

    Investigation Points to Kuwaiti F/A-18 Misidentification

    An investigation into the loss of three US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles over Kuwait indicates that the jets may have been mistakenly engaged by a Kuwaiti F/A-18 fighter. The incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury, with all six aircrew ejecting safely and being recovered in stable condition. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Kuwaiti pilot may have misidentified the approaching US jets amid heightened alert conditions. The incident highlights the challenges of operating in a compressed battlespace with multiple coalition aircraft and drones. This was first reported by AeroTime.

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      Source: AeroTime (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1772611290371-3005
      URL: https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/kuwaiti-fa18-shot-down-three-us-f15e-friendly-fire-wsj
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