US F-35 Fighter Jet Crashes in California
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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US F-35 Fighter Jet Crashes in California
Taarek Refaat 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. read more 2 Most Inspirational Green Projects in Egypt AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT to Strive over Viewership Tonight Egypt Marks 70th Anniv. of 2011 Revolution, National Police Day In Depth: WWE NXT Halloween Havoc In Depth: AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT Tuesday Viewership Strive Videos & Features WATCH: Egyptians Break Ramadan Fasts in Matariya Videos & Features GrEEk Campus Hosts Jobzella Fifth Career Fair Videos & Features 3 Iconic Ramadan Songs of All Times Videos & Features Top 4 Destinations to Visit in Upper Egypt News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
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