US Navy F-35 crashes during training mission in California
According to a Navy press statement, the F-35 crashed at approximately 6:30 pm near NAS Lemoore in central California. The aircraft was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, known as the “Rough Raiders,” which is responsible for training F-35 pilots. The pilot safely ejected and survived the incident.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. No injuries were reported on the ground, and no property damage was confirmed.
British F-35B finally departs India after a month on the ground
Earlier this month, a British Royal Navy F-35B made headlines after it remained grounded at Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala for over four weeks. The aircraft had made an unscheduled landing on June 14 due to poor weather and low fuel while returning from joint exercises.
Following the landing, engineers discovered a fault that made the fifth-generation fighter unserviceable. The incident triggered concerns about sensitive technology being present in a non-partner country, as India is not part of the F-35 program.
After multiple repair attempts and logistical coordination, the aircraft departed India and rejoined the HMS Prince of Wales strike group via Darwin, Australia. India’s airport operator charged about Rs 26,261 per day for parking the jet. Over roughly 35 days, the total estimated parking bill reached Rs 9.2 lakh.
List of operational incidents fuels criticism
The F-35 program, led by Lockheed Martin, is recently facing scrutiny for its high costs and technical challenges. The recent incidents in the US and India are not isolated cases.
In early 2025, an F-35A crashed in Alaska. In previous years, F-35s have crashed in South Carolina, Japan, and during aircraft carrier operations.
India’s fifth-generation fighter jet search
This comes as India continues to explore options for acquiring fifth-generation fighter jets to upgrade its air combat capabilities. While advancing its own indigenous AMCA program, India has also shown interest in global platforms, with the F-35 among the aircraft under consideration. Though no official procurement request has been made, the F-35’s presence in joint exercises and increasing US-India defence cooperation have kept the possibility open. Strategic, financial, and technological factors are still being evaluated before any firm decision is taken.
Global users reassessing F-35 reliability
With over 900 F-35s delivered across various allied air forces, operational challenges are being closely monitored. Countries like the UK, Japan, Italy, Israel and Australia remain committed to the platform.
The back-to-back incidents, involving both American and British jets, have renewed debate about the F-35’s readiness for complex operational theatres. While militaries maintain confidence in the platform’s long-term potential, the current focus remains on ensuring reliability and safety during active missions and training.
FAQs
Q1. What happened in the latest F-35 crash in California?
A US Navy F-35 fighter jet crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore in California on Wednesday evening. The pilot safely ejected, and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
Q2. Which squadron was involved in the California crash?
The jet was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, also known as the “Rough Raiders.” This unit is responsible for training pilots to operate the F-35.
Q3. Was anyone injured in the California incident?
No. The pilot ejected safely, and no injuries or property damage were reported on the ground.
Q4. What happened with the British F-35B in India?
A Royal Navy F-35B was grounded at Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala after an emergency landing in June 2025. The jet remained in India for over a month due to technical issues before being repaired and flown out in late July.
Q5. Why was the British jet’s presence in India controversial?
India is not part of the F-35 program, raising concerns about sensitive US and NATO technology being temporarily present in a non-partner country. This prompted security discussions and logistical coordination for repairs.
Q6. Have there been other F-35 crashes recently?
Yes. Apart from the California and India cases, there was an F-35A crash in Alaska in early 2025 and earlier incidents involving crashes in Japan and during US Navy carrier operations.
Q7. Why is the F-35 program facing criticism?
The F-35 program has faced criticism for its high cost, frequent technical issues, software bugs, and maintenance challenges. Despite its advanced features, the aircraft’s operational readiness has been questioned.
Q8. Which countries operate the F-35?
Countries currently flying F-35s include the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Australia, Israel, South Korea, and several NATO members.
Q9. What is the cost of an F-35 fighter jet?
Depending on the variant and configuration, each F-35 can cost between $80 million and $100 million, excluding long-term maintenance and upgrades.
Q10. Will the recent incidents affect future F-35 deployments?
While investigations are ongoing, these incidents may lead to increased scrutiny, stricter safety checks, and temporary training reviews. However, most partner countries continue to support the program due to the aircraft’s strategic importance.
