A Kuwaiti pilot mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle jets worth $100 million during Operation Epic Fury, forcing six crew members to eject. Initially blamed on surface-to-air missiles, the allied pilot later admitted firing missiles at the aircraft, sources revealed. The downed jets, each costing $31.1 million, could be replaced at $90 million per unit for newer F-15EX models, per Barron’s. All six crew members survived, though one U.S. serviceman faced public hostility after being mistaken for Iranian. The incident occurred after an Iranian drone killed six U.S. troops at Kuwait’s Port of Shuaiba, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.

Kuwait’s aging McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C/D Hornets, acquired in the 1990s and nearing retirement, were involved in the friendly fire. The U.S. State Department cleared Kuwait’s 2018 purchase of 40 Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets, but delivery is delayed until 2027–2028. This gap in modernization leaves Kuwait reliant on older aircraft, raising questions about operational safety and U.S. defense contractor deals.

The Kuwaiti air force’s actions underscore risks in joint military operations, where outdated systems and human error can escalate costs. U.S. Central Command declined to confirm Kuwaiti jet involvement, citing ongoing investigations. Industry analysts suggest the incident may delay Kuwait’s Super Hornet procurement, impacting Boeing and Lockheed Martin’s defense contracts. Regional instability from Iran’s retaliatory strikes further complicates U.S.-Kuwait relations.

This friendly fire incident underscores the financial and strategic costs of military miscalculations. With $100 million in assets lost and replacement timelines stretching years, the event highlights vulnerabilities in allied defense coordination. As Kuwait awaits next-gen jets, the fallout could strain U.S. military partnerships in the Middle East.