Big mistake amid joint operation? Three American F-15s accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti jet, preliminary investigation indicates

New Delhi: A shocking incident has come to light during the joint military operation being conducted by Washington and Israel against Iran. Preliminary investigation indicates that three American F-15E Strike Eagle jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. This incident occurred on the third day of the conflict when Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military bases located in Gulf countries including Kuwait.

After the incident, the stir in military circles has intensified. However, it is a matter of relief that the pilots and crew of the three American planes that crashed were successful in getting out safely.

How did the accident happen?

According to a US official, the pilot of a Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornet mistakenly fired missiles at three American jets. After being hit by the missile, all three American F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft crashed over Kuwait.

During the conflict, the situation remained extremely complex due to heavy military activity in the area and Iranian missile-drone attacks.

Video went viral on social media

In the video surfaced on social media, an American F-15 jet was seen falling down surrounded in flames. Smoke was seen coming out of the tail of the plane and it was seen circling and falling downwards.

However, these videos have not been officially confirmed.

What was said in the initial statement?

US Central Command said in an initial response that Kuwaiti air defense systems had shot down three US jets. "By mistake"Targeted. The statement said that the incident occurred amid an active war, when missile and drone attacks from Iran were continuing.

According to Reuters report, earlier the Iranian armed forces had taken responsibility for targeting the American plane downed in Kuwait. However, the exact circumstances of the downing of the American planes are still not clear.

Confusion among experts

This incident has confused aviation experts. A former Air Force pilot said that pilots of allied countries are trained to strictly follow the prescribed procedures in such situations.

Speaking to Air and Space Forces Magazine, he said,"If you are on an air defense mission, the first thing you do is interrogate using your transponder… It is quite difficult to mistake an F-15E for an Iranian aircraft, especially if they are not maneuvering aggressively in any way."

He also said that American pilots broadcast Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) codes to allied forces, so that the identity of friendly and enemy aircraft can be clarified.

Accident despite being an ally country

Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally of America. In such a situation, this incident raises questions on the military coordination of both the countries.

At present the investigation is ongoing and official clarity is awaited regarding the circumstances of the downing of the American fighter planes.