United States Air Force F-15C/E Shot down

On March 2, 2026, a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle of the 335th Fighter Squadron was shot down over Kuwait in a friendly fire incident during Operation Epic Fury. According to reports, a single Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fired three missiles — likely AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles — downing three Strike Eagles in rapid succession. As heat-seeking missiles are passive, the F-15E crews had no warning of the incoming weapons. The shootdown occurred while Iranian drones were penetrating Kuwaiti airspace during intense combat operations. Both crew members ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition.