US Navy F-35C crashes in central California, pilot ejects safely PHOTO

A US Navy F-35C fighter jet crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California on the evening of July 30, according to an official Navy statement. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time. The pilot successfully ejected and survived the crash.

Emergency response teams, including local EMS crews and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), responded promptly to the scene. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that first responders assisted the pilot and contained the resulting fire, which was captured on video by CNN affiliate KFSN showing thick black smoke billowing from the crash site across the flat farmland surrounding the base.

The aircraft, an F-35C Lightning II, was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, also known as the “Rough Raiders.” VF-125 serves as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, responsible for training Navy pilots and aircrew on carrier-based operations using the F-35C variant.

This marks the second crash of an F-35 aircraft this year. In January, an Air Force F-35A went down during a training mission at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. In that incident, the pilot also ejected safely.

The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is considered one of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets, combining stealth technology with advanced sensors and combat capabilities. The program involves more than 17 allied nations, making it a critical component of US and partner air power.

Despite its technological sophistication, the F-35 programme has faced recurring criticism over its high costs—each jet estimated at approximately $100 million—and challenges related to maintenance and operational readiness.

By Vugar Khalilov