US EditionHow Kuwait’s Air Defenses Downed Three American F-15 Strike Eagles
Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly downed three U.S. F-15E jets amid Iranian missile attacks, despite advanced IFF systems; Kuwait engaged 380 drones and 97 missiles, officials said.
- On March 1, 2026, Kuwaiti air defenses shot down three U.S. F-15E jets over Kuwait, with Kuwaiti air defenses including Patriot batteries and NASAMS operating during the incident.
- Amid a missile-and-drone barrage, Iranian jamming systems were allegedly active, with three Iranian jamming systems operating from Iran, including one near Bandar Abbas.
- Technical analysis points to use of PAC-2 blast-fragmentation and PAC-3 hit-to-kill interceptors, with NASAMS repurposing AIM-120 and AIM-9 missiles, as shown in video clips.
- Investigators are examining IFF links and engagement decisions tied to the incident, as U.S. Central Command probes jamming and IFF failures; all U.S. aircrews survived thanks to ejection seats, though CENTCOM may avoid publicly faulting Kuwait.
- Analysts note the platform's ADCP II and AESA upgrades while calling for procedural fixes, emphasizing the F-15 platform's extensive upgrades and urging safety and interoperability reviews to prevent repeats.
24 Articles
24 Articles
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How Kuwait’s air defenses downed three American F-15 Strike Eagles
It was supposed to be a standard intercept. In the pitch-black maelstrom over the Kuwaiti desert, three F-15E Strike Eagles from the 335th Fighter Squadron were hunting for Iranian suicide drones. They’re the low-budget, flying, exploding lawnmowers that Iran had been lobbing by the hundreds into the region. Also Read: America’s ongoing quest to stop firing $4 million missiles at $30,000 dronesBut the F-15s, multi-role aircraft designed to own e…
New images show the collapse of the three U.S. F-15 planes that took place months ago in Kuwait. They were badly hit by anti-aircraft defense systems. The information, originally transported on sources, was confirmed by officials...
Locals approach pilot after US jet shot down
After the shooting down of three US F-15 jets in an apparent friendly fire incident, video from social media shows locals approaching one of the crew who ejected from the aircraft. Locals ask them if they are okay before thanking the pilot for their help
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