A U.S. Navy F-35 stealth fighter jet crashed and burst into flames near Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California, marking the second such incident involving the advanced warplane in less than a year.
Dramatic video circulating online showed thick black smoke rising from flat agricultural land south of Fresno, approximately 64 kilometers from the base. Authorities confirmed that the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and was transported to a hospital for evaluation of potential injuries.
The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time, according to local law enforcement. Emergency crews from both the Navy and civilian agencies, including the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and California Fire Department, responded swiftly to the scene. Federal investigators are expected to lead the probe into the cause of the accident.
The downed aircraft, valued at roughly $100 million, belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, known as the “Rough Raiders.” The squadron primarily functions as a fleet replacement unit, training pilots and aircrew on F-35 operations.
The F-35 Lightning II, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is widely regarded as one of the most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets in the world, praised for its stealth capabilities and combat performance. More than 17 countries participate in the F-35 program, which has become a cornerstone of U.S. air power.
However, the aircraft has faced growing scrutiny in recent years over maintenance challenges and operational readiness, with this latest crash likely to intensify safety and reliability concerns.
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