San diego: A US Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, on Friday, intensifying scrutiny of the aircraft's safety record. The pilot managed to eject safely and was recovered, according to military officials. Videos circulating on social media depicted thick smoke billowing from the crash site as firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the ensuing flames.
According to Anadolu Agency, the F-35, manufactured by US defense giant Lockheed Martin, has been under examination since its development under the Joint Strike Fighter program initiated in 1995. The first known crash of this aircraft occurred in 2018, three years prior to its entry into full-rate production. Since then, a total of 14 F-35 fighter jets have crashed, raising considerable safety concerns.
The timeline of major accidents involving F-35 fighter jets since 2018 highlights a pattern of incidents across various states and circumstances. Notably, on March 31, 2026, a US Air Force F-35A crashed within the Nevada Test and Training Range, with the pilot ejecting safely. The cause of this incident remains unknown. Similarly, on July 30, 2025, a US Navy F-35C crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore in California, igniting a small grass fire, although the pilot again ejected safely.
The series of crashes has prompted investigations and discussions regarding the aircraft's safety mechanisms and manufacturing processes. For instance, an investigation into a crash on January 28, 2025, at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska revealed that water-contaminated hydraulic fluid caused a malfunction in the landing gear system. This incident is one of several that have brought attention to potential vulnerabilities in the aircraft's design.
Moreover, the crash on May 29, 2024, near an airfield in Albuquerque, New Mexico, further underscored the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the F-35 jets. Following a departure from runway 21, the pilot ejected and was hospitalized with serious injuries, adding to the scrutiny of the aircraft's operational reliability.
The persistent safety issues associated with the F-35 jets have sparked debates within military and aviation circles, prompting calls for stringent reviews and enhancements to the aircraft's design and safety protocols. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and efficacy of these advanced fighter jets in future operations.