‘One Kuwaiti pilot blasted all three US F-15 jets out of the sky in friendly fire blunder’
US Jets Mistakenly Shot Down by Kuwaiti Pilot in Friendly Fire Incident
A Kuwaiti pilot flying an American-built fighter jet reportedly misidentified three US F-15 jets as enemy targets, leading to their accidental destruction. The incident, described as a friendly fire error, unfolded on Monday morning when the pilot, operating a F/A-18 aircraft, fired three missiles at the planes.
Confusion Over Nationality Sparks Standoff
Footage shared on social media captured the moment an American pilot, who had ejected from his damaged jet, was mistakenly believed to be an Iranian soldier by local spectators. A group of men approached the pilot, brandishing a metal pipe and shouting, while the airman pleaded with them to halt.
“Back up. Stop!” the pilot urged as the crowd closed in, assuming he was Iranian.
The tension eased when the pilot confirmed his nationality, prompting the locals to retreat. This event highlighted the confusion that arose during the mishap.
Cost of the Error
US Central Command confirmed that all six crew members involved in the incident were safely recovered and hospitalized. The damage to the jets, estimated at $300 million in replacement costs, occurred after the Kuwaiti pilot misidentified the F-15E Strike Eagles as Iranian aircraft.
Recent Drone Strike in Kuwait
The incident follows another attack where an Iranian drone strike on a US operations center in Kuwait killed six American soldiers on Sunday. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of US military safety measures during ongoing regional tensions.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence stated it is working with the US to investigate the circumstances of the incident, emphasizing that all crew members survived. A spokesperson added: “Authorities swiftly initiated search and rescue operations, evacuating the crews and transporting them to a hospital for medical evaluation. Their condition is stable.”
Amidst Escalating Conflict
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned Monday that the drone strike in Port Shuaiba, located near Kuwait City, targeted a tactical operations center. The Pentagon later confirmed the attack, naming four of the fallen soldiers.
A satellite image taken Monday revealed the main building of the complex in ruins, with thick black smoke rising from the site. This comes as the US, alongside Israel, intensifies efforts against Iran, which has retaliated with strikes across the Middle East.
Resilience in the Face of Crisis
Separate clips circulating online depicted an unnamed female pilot smiling broadly despite being shot down in the same friendly fire incident. The video shows her being comforted by a local man who reassured her: “No problem, you are safe, you are safe. Everything good? Thank you for helping us.”
Another segment displayed the third pilot walking on the ground after safely ejecting, underscoring the day’s chaotic yet fortunate outcomes.
Kuwait hosts the largest US military presence in the region, with over 13,500 troops stationed in the country. The two incidents—friendly fire and drone strike—underscore the challenges of maintaining operational safety amid heightened conflict. President Donald Trump and US defense leaders have warned of potential further casualties as tensions continue to rise.
