On 30/7, US media released a video showing an F-35C fighter jet crashing in an empty agricultural area near the Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California. The jet erupted in flames upon impact.

Lemoore Naval Air Station later confirmed that the F-35C, belonging to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, the “Rough Raiders,” crashed at 6:30 PM that day. The pilot successfully ejected and is safe.

Local emergency medical services responded to the scene to assist the pilot, and firefighters were also deployed, according to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office. The US Navy is investigating the cause of the accident.

The scene of the US F-35C fighter jet crash in California on the afternoon of 30/7. Video: KFSN-TV

The Rough Raiders are responsible for training pilots to operate the F-35C after they complete basic flight training and before they are assigned to their official units. The squadron also trains pilots transitioning to the F-35C and ground crews, including mechanics.

The F-35C is the stealth fighter variant used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. It has several features that distinguish it from the F-35A and F-35B. Its airframe and landing gear are reinforced for carrier operations, its wings fold to save space, and it has a tailhook for arrested landings, making it the heaviest F-35 variant. Each F-35C costs approximately 100 million USD.

This is the second F-35 crash for the US military this year. In January, a US Air Force F-35A crashed near Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska during a training flight. The pilot ejected safely.

The F-35 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world and a core weapon system for the US military. Lockheed Martin states that over 17 countries participate in the F-35 program.

However, the aircraft has experienced maintenance and combat readiness issues in recent years.

Pham Giang (According to CNN)