A U.S. Navy F-35C fighter jet, valued at $100 million, crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California on Wednesday evening. The crash occurred around 6:30 PM during a routine training flight, but the pilot ejected safely and was taken for medical evaluation. No civilian injuries or property damage were reported.
The aircraft went down in a flat, open agricultural area roughly 40 miles southwest of Fresno. Video footage from local news showed heavy smoke and flames at the crash site shortly after the impact. Emergency responders from the base quickly secured the area.
According to the U.S. Navy, the aircraft belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-125, known as the “Rough Raiders.” The squadron operates as a Fleet Replacement Squadron, responsible for training Navy pilots and crew to fly the advanced F-35C model.
BREAKING: U.S. Navy F-35C Stealth Fighter Crashes Near Naval Air Station Lemoore, California ✈️
A F-35 Lightning II, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125 Rough Raiders, went down in a field near Fresno.
• Jet burst into flames after impact
• Pilot ejected safely… pic.twitter.com/jhkmvjLssC— Sarcasm Scoop (@sarcasm_scoop) July 31, 2025
The F-35C is one of three versions of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, tailored specifically for aircraft carrier operations. It features larger wings, reinforced landing gear, and tailhooks for carrier landings. The F-35 family is known for its cutting-edge stealth, advanced sensors, and multirole combat capabilities.
This is the second F-35 crash in 2025. In January, an F-35A from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska also went down during a training mission. The pilot in that incident survived as well. The cause of Wednesday’s crash is still under investigation by Navy aviation safety officials.
The F-35 program, developed by Lockheed Martin, remains a cornerstone of the U.S. military’s air power. It is operated by over 17 countries. As of 2025, the U.S. Air Force has 246 F-35s, the Marine Corps 122, and the Navy 41. Despite concerns over cost and maintenance, the jet is praised for its stealth and battlefield dominance.