$100 Million US Navy Jet Crashes Near California Base, Bursts Into Flames, Pilot Survives

A US Navy F-35 fighter jet crashed Wednesday evening near Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California, according to a Navy statement.

The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. in a flat, open farmland area approximately 40 miles southwest of Fresno. The pilot ejected safely and is currently receiving medical attention. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Footage from local news sources showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the crash site shortly after impact. Emergency response teams, including the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Cal Fire, were on the scene providing support.

The jet involved was an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron, 388th Fighter Wing. It had recently returned to active duty at Hill Air Force Base after final maintenance work at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas facility.

Later, the Navy identified the aircraft as an F-35C from Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, also known as the “Rough Raiders.” The squadron is tasked with training pilots and aircrew for carrier-based operations.

The F-35C is a variant of the F-35 Lightning II family designed specifically for aircraft carriers. It joins the F-35A used by the Air Force and the F-35B used by the Marine Corps for short takeoff and vertical landing operations.

This marks the second F-35 crash in 2025. In January, an Air Force F-35A crashed during training at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, with the pilot also surviving.

Valued at approximately $100 million per unit, the F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet considered a cornerstone of American airpower. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, it boasts cutting-edge stealth, advanced sensors, and superior combat capabilities.

Despite its high cost and sophisticated technology, the F-35 program has faced scrutiny over maintenance demands and operational readiness challenges.

Currently, the US Air Force operates 246 F-35s, the Marine Corps 122, and the Navy 41. The global F-35 program includes participation from over 17 countries.