KUWAIT CITY — The Kuwait International Airport (KWI) suffered a major blow to its operational capacity on Saturday, March 28, 2026, after multiple “hostile drones” successfully targeted and damaged the facility’s primary radar systems.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the strike, which represents the most significant technical disruption to the airport since the regional war began 29 days ago.
The Strike: Blinding the Hub
According to DGCA spokesperson Abdullah Al-Rajhi, the attack specifically focused on the airport’s technical infrastructure rather than passenger terminals.
- Radar Damage: Official statements confirmed “substantial and major damage” to the radar infrastructure. This has effectively “blinded” the airport’s ability to manage high-volume air traffic safely.
- Casualties: No injuries or deaths were reported. Emergency teams and the Kuwaiti National Guard responded to the site within minutes to contain small fires and secure the perimeter.
- Attribution: While Kuwaiti officials have not officially named the source, the strike follows a pattern of “Axis of Resistance” operations targeting Gulf nations that host U.S. military assets.
A Week of Escalation in Kuwait
Kuwait has found itself increasingly in the crosshairs of the conflict due to its hosting of Camp Arifjan and the Ali Al-Salem Air Base.
| Date | Incident Summary | Status |
| March 25 | Drone strike on KWI fuel depot. | Massive fire; limited property damage. |
| March 27 | Drone attack on Shuwaikh Port. | Material damage to trade hub; no injuries. |
| March 28 | KWI Radar System Strike. | Significant damage; critical systems offline. |
The “Friendly Fire” Complication
The radar failure may have contributed to a tragic “friendly fire” incident reported by President Trump earlier today. The President noted that Kuwaiti air defenses, likely operating with degraded situational awareness following the radar strike, accidentally downed three U.S. aircraft while attempting to intercept incoming threats.
“They didn’t know they were our planes. They wasted three great Patriot missiles.” — President Donald Trump (March 28, 2026)
Regional Fallout
The disabling of Kuwait’s primary aviation radar adds immense pressure to the upcoming Islamabad Quadrilateral Summit this Monday.
- The Mediation: Pakistan is pushing a 15-point U.S. ceasefire plan, but the continued targeting of civilian infrastructure in “neutral” Gulf states like Kuwait and Oman is making a diplomatic off-ramp increasingly difficult to secure.
- Travel Rights: The DGCA has reiterated that all passengers affected by the ongoing flight suspensions are entitled to full refunds within 15 working days.
