A US Navy F-35C fighter jet crashed near Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore in central California on Wednesday evening, the Navy confirmed in a statement. The pilot ejected safely, and no other injuries were reported.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:30pm local time in flat, open farmland about 40 miles (64 kilometres) southwest of Fresno, the statement added. A video aired by CNN affiliate KFSN showed large plumes of black smoke and fire billowing from the crash site, which was located in the vicinity of the airbase.
Emergency services, including a local EMS crew and units from Cal Fire, responded swiftly to the scene and assisted the pilot. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed their involvement in the response.
The jet belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, known as the “Rough Raiders”, which operates under NAS Lemoore. The squadron functions as a Fleet Replacement Squadron responsible for training Navy pilots and aircrew in operating the F-35C aircraft.
The F-35C variant, designed for carrier-based operations, is one of three models of the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. While the US Air Force uses the F-35A and the Marine Corps flies the F-35B—capable of short takeoff and vertical landing—the F-35C is tailored for naval operations and is equipped with larger wings and reinforced landing gear.
This incident marks the second crash of an F-35 aircraft in 2025. In January, an Air Force F-35A crashed during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The pilot also ejected safely in that case.
The F-35, manufactured by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, is considered one of the world’s most advanced warplanes. Its stealth capabilities and combat systems make it a critical asset in the US military's aviation fleet. Priced at around $100 million per unit, the F-35 has been acquired by more than 17 countries participating in the international programme.
Despite its technological edge, the aircraft has come under growing scrutiny in recent years due to concerns over maintenance and operational readiness. Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the crash.
