In recent years, the United States’ fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35, has been in the international spotlight due to an increasing number of crashes. Since 2018, more than 10 F-35 fighter jets have crashed, raising serious concerns about the aircraft’s reliability.
Most recently, on 29 January 2025, an F-35 crashed during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, USA. The pilot successfully ejected, but the aircraft exploded and was rendered unusable.
F-35s Frequently Crash Due to Technical Issues
According to the Aviation Safety Network (ASN), F-35 fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, are often involved in crashes due to electronic system failures and pilots losing control. These issues have fuelled debates regarding both the aircraft’s reliability and its high-cost maintenance requirements.
A report by the US Operational Test and Evaluation Directorate, published at the end of 2024, highlighted deficiencies in the reliability and maintenance standards of F-35s. The report also noted the increasing costs associated with the aircraft’s lifetime operation. Additionally, the US Government Accountability Office revealed that maintenance costs had risen from $1.1 trillion in 2018 to $1.58 trillion by 2023.
F-35 Fighter Jet Crashes: A Yearly Timeline
- 28 September 2018: A US F-35B crashed off the coast of South Carolina during a training flight. The pilot survived, and the crash was attributed to a fuel tube failure.
- 9 April 2019: A Japanese Air Force F-35A crashed into the Pacific Ocean, killing the pilot.
- 19 May 2020: An F-35 overturned and was written off during an emergency landing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
- 29 September 2020: A US Marine Corps F-35 collided with a refuelling tanker during mid-air refuelling and crashed.
- 17 November 2021: A British Royal Air Force F-35B crashed into the Mediterranean Sea while taking off from HMS Queen Elizabeth.
- 4 January 2022: A South Korean F-35A sustained severe damage after colliding with an eagle during landing.
- 24 January 2022: An F-35 crash-landed on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson in the South China Sea, before plunging into the ocean.
- 19 October 2022: A US F-35 crashed on landing in Utah, rendering it unusable.
- 17 September 2023: A US Marine Corps F-35 crashed in South Carolina. The pilot ejected safely.
- 29 May 2024: An F-35 crashed in New Mexico shortly after take-off.
- 29 January 2025: An F-35 crashed during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
29 January 2025 – An F-35 crashed in Alaska during a training exercise.
F-35 Fighter Jet Accidents: A Timeline of Crashes
F-35 Safety Concerns and High Costs
The growing number of F-35 crashes has raised concerns about malfunctions in electronic detection systems and pilots losing control of the aircraft. Experts argue that these problems stem from deficiencies in the production process and costly maintenance procedures.
Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 has faced criticism for its exorbitant costs. Reports published at the end of 2024 indicate that the F-35 programme is plagued by serious challenges in both reliability and sustainability.
Ultimately, the fact that Turkey was excluded from the F-35 programme, while these fighter jets continue to experience safety issues and frequent crashes, has further intensified criticism of the project.
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