Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornet on Sunday shot down three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets amid the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. US officials have clearly termed it a friendly fire incident amid hostilities related to the Iran conflict. According to ‘The Wall Street Journal’, a Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornet accidentally launched missiles during a joint operation. These missiles fell on the aircraft.

The American official has said that three missiles were fired towards the American jet. It later fell in Kuwait. During this time about 6 crew members were taken out safely. At present everyone’s condition is stable.

America’s Central Command called it a friendly fire incident. It was also said that the aircraft was shot down by mistake by Kuwaiti Air Defense. All this happened at a time when there was a war situation between Iran and Israel and attacks were being carried out with missiles and drones.

Let us know what is Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet is an American-made twin-engine supersonic multirole combat aircraft. It has been designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It was created by McDonnell Douglas in partnership with Northrop. It joined the US Navy in 1983. It was built for aircraft carrier operations. Later it was handed over to many US allied countries including Kuwait.

In 1997, McConnell Douglas was purchased by Boeing. It now produces the new F/A-18 Super Hornet variant. Boeing says that the F/A-18 Super Hornet is considered the backbone of carrier air wings.

Know the features of F/A-18 Hornet?
Talking about the features of F/A-18 Hornet, it has a twin turbofan engine. Its speed is approximately up to Mach 1.7. It has been designed under a carrier capable design. These have the capability to carry nine external weapon stations, radar guided and infrared air to air missiles.

In the year 1988, America had ordered a fleet. Its consignment was delivered between October 1991 and August 1993. America and Australia use them.

Also read: America attacks Iranian warship in Indian sea, 80 dead so far, many missing