Daijiworld Media Network- California
California, Jul 31: An F-35 fighter jet of the US Navy crashed near the Lemoore Naval Air Station in California, prompting an immediate rescue operation. The pilot, who was part of the Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, managed to eject safely and was airlifted to a nearby hospital, the US Navy confirmed in a press release on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 6:30 pm (local time) and is currently under investigation. Eyewitness visuals from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage of the advanced stealth jet.
The F-35, assigned to the "Rough Raiders" fleet, is part of a Fleet Replacement Squadron tasked with training Navy pilots and aircrews in advanced combat flying.
Naval Air Station Lemoore, the jet’s home base, lies approximately 64 km southwest of Fresno and is a key operational hub for the US Navy’s west coast air fleet.
The F-35, known for its cutting-edge stealth technology and versatility, comes in three variants — F-35A (conventional takeoff), F-35B (short takeoff/vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based). The specific variant involved in Wednesday’s crash has not yet been confirmed.
While the pilot’s condition remains stable, Navy officials stated that a detailed inquiry is underway to determine the cause of the crash.