A US Navy F-35C fighter jet crashed near Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore in central California on Wednesday evening, according to an official Navy statement. The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time in flat farmland approximately 40 miles southwest of Fresno. The pilot successfully ejected and was safely recovered. No additional injuries were reported.
Video footage from CNN affiliate KFSN showed thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site, located near the airbase. Emergency services, including local EMS and Cal Fire units, responded promptly and provided aid. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office also participated in the response operation.
The aircraft was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, also known as the “Rough Raiders.” Based at NAS Lemoore, the squadron is responsible for training Navy pilots and aircrew on the F-35C, a carrier-based variant of the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. This version features larger wings and reinforced landing gear, designed specifically for naval operations.
This marks the second F-35 crash in 2025. In January, an Air Force F-35A went down during a training mission in Alaska. That pilot also ejected safely.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 series includes three variants: the F-35A for the Air Force, the F-35B for the Marine Corps—capable of vertical landing—and the F-35C for the Navy. Priced at roughly $100 million per unit, the aircraft boasts cutting-edge stealth and combat technology and is used by over 17 countries.
Despite its advanced design, the F-35 has drawn criticism in recent years over issues related to maintenance and readiness. Lockheed Martin has not yet commented on the latest incident. An investigation into the crash is underway.
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