Three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets crashed in Kuwaiti airspace on 2/3 at 7:03 AM, after being struck by allied fire. The incident occurred while the aircraft were supporting "Operation Horrific Fury," the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed today.
This marks the first time F-15 fighters have been shot down in a combat situation since their deployment by the US and its allies.
CENTCOM reported that the fighters "were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti air defense systems" amidst intense engagements involving attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The command did not specify the type of air defense missile that hit the US planes.
All six pilots ejected safely and were rescued; their condition is stable. Kuwait has acknowledged the incident, according to CENTCOM, though the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense has not yet provided an explanation for the accidental firing.
CNN verified a video depicting an F-15 fighter losing control, spinning, and free-falling with fire visible. A pilot was seen ejecting into the Al Jahra area, Kuwait.
Subsequent images showed a pilot in a flight suit and helmet kneeling on the ground next to an orange and white parachute in a desert area. The location in the video is approximately 30 km from Ali Al Salem Air Base, a US forces outpost.
Another video captured a pilot standing up, with thick black smoke rising in the distance.
CENTCOM stated that an investigation into the cause of the accidental firing is underway and findings will be released when available. The command expressed gratitude for the efforts of Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in the ongoing operation.
The F-15 is a heavy fighter developed by McDonnell Douglas in 1967 and entered service with the US Air Force in 1976. It is a primary US combat aircraft, optimized for air superiority and control of airspace.
The multi-role F-15E Strike Eagle variant was developed by the US in the 1980s, based on the two-seat F-15B fighter design. Each unit cost approximately USD 31 million ex-factory in 1998, equivalent to nearly USD 62 million today, excluding weapons. This variant has enhanced high-precision ground attack capabilities, unlike the original F-15 series which was limited to air-to-air roles. It can conduct deep strike missions in enemy airspace without relying on electronic warfare aircraft or escort fighters.
Thanh Tam (AFP, CNN)
