F-35 fighter jet crashes at Eielson Air Force Base, pilot safe

An F-35 fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska during a training exercise, with the pilot safely ejecting and being transported for medical evaluation. The incident, which occurred on January 28 at approximately 12:49 PM, resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, though the exact circumstances of the crash—whether during takeoff, landing, or taxiing—remain under investigation. Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to understand the cause and prevent future incidents. This crash adds to concerns regarding the safety record of the F-35, as it marks the third crash involving the aircraft in less than a year. The F-35 program, the most expensive in U.S. defense history, has faced ongoing issues related to technical reliability and maintenance delays. Eielson AFB plays a critical role in Arctic defense and was selected for a significant expansion to host F-35 operations in 2016.