An F-35 fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, triggering an emergency response as authorities confirmed the incident involved a U.S. military aircraft.

Emergency crews arrived at the scene after reports emerged early this morning of the mishap. While officials have not disclosed specific details about the crash’s cause or injuries, a Marine Corps spokesperson stated that the pilot successfully ejected and was recovered for transport to a medical facility. Aerial photographs captured the smoking jet on the ground in an open field near the base, with responders visible working to contain flames from the aircraft.

The incident has been classified as a “class A mishap” by the Marine Corps—a designation representing the most severe category used across U.S. military and federal agencies. The pilot is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, though their identity remains unconfirmed.

This crash follows recent U.S. F-35 incidents: A March event in Nevada saw a pilot safely eject with minor injuries, while another occurred near Naval Air Station Lemoore in July 2025. The F-35 program, which includes variants for the Air Force, Marines, and Navy, remains under scrutiny for escalating costs and technical challenges. According to a 2023 government audit, the Pentagon plans to spend $1.7 trillion on nearly 2,500 jets—a figure previously criticized by President Donald Trump as “out of control” before his first term.