A U.S. Navy F-35C crashed on July 29 near Lemoore, California, during a training flight. The pilot ejected in time and survived. This marks the second F-35 crash in the United States this year, raising concerns over the aircraft’s reliability and technical performance.
The F-35 program is among the most advanced and costly in the U.S. military’s arsenal, with each unit valued at more than $100 million. With two crashes involving different variants of the jet in less than a year, the military faces renewed scrutiny over the effectiveness of a platform central to its aerial strategy. These incidents bring fresh attention to both the human and financial stakes tied to operating such a technologically complex aircraft.
The most recent accident occurred in central California in the early evening. The aircraft, a F-35C, went down in a rural, open area near Naval Air Station Lemoore, allowing for a rapid emergency response. The pilot ejected safely and was promptly rescued. The plane belonged to the VF-125 “Rough Raiders” squadron, which specializes in training pilots and crews. It is not engaged in direct combat missions. As reported by Armees, the F-35C is specifically engineered for carrier operations and is considered a major strategic asset.
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Second Incident This Year Involving an F-35
The July crash is not an isolated case. In January 2025, another F-35—this time a F-35A from the U.S. Air Force—crashed in Alaska during a training mission. The pilot also ejected successfully. With two accidents in the same year involving different branches and aircraft variants, concerns over technical reliability have become more pronounced.
Both jets were involved in routine operations, not combat. As outlined, these repeated mishaps have drawn attention to the operational safety of the F-35 fleet.
Multiple Versions Under the Spotlight
The F-35 program includes three versions: A, B, and C, each tailored for specific military branches. The F-35C, involved in the recent California incident, is designed for carrier-based operations. Its advanced architecture positions it as a cornerstone of naval aviation.
However, with each crash, questions arise not only about individual units but about the broader program’s performance. Armees.com points out that while the three variants serve distinct operational roles, all fall under the same costly and ambitious development umbrella.
Investigation Underway After California Crash
Following the July 29 crash, military authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the exact causes of the incident. The details of the investigation remain undisclosed. The report from Armees.com highlights that the repeated losses—especially of such high-value equipment—bring into focus the technical dependability of the F-35. The outcome of the current investigation may influence how the program is reviewed and maintained within the armed forces.
