- F-35C jet crashes near Naval Air Station Lemoore, California
- Pilot safely ejects as flames erupt from farmland crash site
- Incident marks second F-35 crash in 2025, Navy launches probe
A US Navy fighter jet worth $100 million crashed Wednesday evening near Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California, bursting into flames shortly after impact.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the F-35C Lightning II, identified by the Navy, went down around 6:30 p.m. in an open farmland area approximately 40 miles southwest of Fresno.
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The pilot managed to eject safely from the aircraft and was promptly attended to by emergency medical personnel at the scene.
Emergency crews from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Cal Fire responded to the fiery crash, as thick black smoke was seen rising from the wreckage.
CNN affiliate KFSN captured footage of the flames engulfing the crash site moments after the jet hit the ground.
According to the Navy, the aircraft was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, popularly known as the “Rough Raiders.”
The unit serves as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, which is responsible for training pilots and aircrew on the F-35 platform.
Earlier reports from CNN had initially identified the jet as an F-35A Lightning II or “Frankenjet,” assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing under the Air Force, but this was later clarified.
This crash is the second involving an F-35 jet in 2025. In January, an Air Force F-35A crashed during a training mission at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The pilot also survived that incident.
The F-35 Lightning II series is a fifth-generation stealth fighter with three variants: the F-35A for the Air Force, F-35B for the Marine Corps, and the F-35C for Navy carrier-based missions.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the jet is known for its cutting-edge stealth, situational awareness, and advanced combat capabilities.
Despite its prestige and price tag of approximately $100 million per unit, the F-35 programme has faced growing criticism over high maintenance costs and operational readiness issues.
According to FlightGlobal’s World Air Forces database, the US operates hundreds of these jets: 246 with the Air Force, 122 with the Marine Corps, and 41 with the Navy.
Over 17 countries are involved in the global F-35 programme, which continues to be a cornerstone of US military airpower.
The exact cause of Wednesday’s crash remains under investigation by US Navy officials.
