On July 30, 2025, a US Navy F-35C fighter jet crashed in open farmland near Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California, around 6:30 PM local time, approximately 40 miles southwest of Fresno. The Navy confirmed that the pilot ejected safely, and no additional injuries were reported. Emergency responders, including local EMS, Cal Fire units, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, quickly arrived at the scene, where footage captured by KFSN showed thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site.

The aircraft, part of Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, the “Rough Raiders,” was assigned to NAS Lemoore, a hub for training Navy pilots and aircrew on the F-35C. This variant, designed for carrier-based operations, features larger wings and reinforced landing gear, distinguishing it from the F-35A used by the Air Force and the F-35B flown by the Marine Corps, which supports short takeoff and vertical landing.

This incident marks the second F-35 crash in 2025, following an F-35A crash during a training mission at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska in January, where the pilot also ejected safely. The F-35 Lightning II, built by Lockheed Martin, is a cornerstone of modern military aviation, boasting advanced stealth and combat capabilities. Priced at approximately $100 million per unit, it is used by over 17 nations in the international F-35 program.

However, the crash intensifies scrutiny on the F-35 program, which has faced persistent criticism over maintenance challenges and operational reliability. Lockheed Martin has yet to comment on the incident, leaving questions about the aircraft’s performance and safety unanswered. As investigations into the crash begin, the US military and its partners await clarity on the cause and implications for the high-stakes F-35 fleet.