F-35C Fighter Jet Crashes in California, Pilot Ejects Safely

F-35C Crash Near Fresno Air Base

An F-35C fighter jet crashed southwest of Fresno, California after the pilot successfully ejected using the aircraft's escape system. Emergency services treated the pilot at the scene for minor injuries.

Second Incident This Year

This marks the second F-35 crash in 2025, following a January incident during training in Alaska. Both pilots survived ejection. The F-35C variant, designed for carrier operations, costs approximately $102 million per unit.

About the F-35 Program

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II represents America's most advanced stealth fighter technology. With three main variants (A/B/C), it serves multiple military branches and allied nations. The program has faced criticism for development costs exceeding $1.7 trillion over its lifetime.