An F-35 fighter jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego early this morning, according to officials.

Emergency crews responded to an aircraft mishap involving the F-35 at the base after it was reported earlier in the day. Authorities have not released details about the cause of the incident and it remains unclear if anyone was injured.

A Marine Corps spokesperson confirmed that the pilot ejected safely, was recovered, and is being transported to a medical facility for evaluation. The exact circumstances leading to the crash are still under investigation.

Aerial photographs captured the aircraft on fire in an open field at the base, with the plane’s hatch visible. Multiple emergency vehicles and responders were seen at the scene as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Social media videos showed a plume of black smoke rising from the aircraft, which was then treated with fire retardant by responding personnel.

The pilot has not been identified. The Marine Corps stated that the pilot is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The incident was classified as a “class A mishap” by the Marine Corps, representing the most severe category for military aircraft incidents.

This crash follows two recent F-35 incidents: in March, an Air Force F-35A crashed in Nevada with the pilot ejecting safely and sustaining minor injuries; and in July 2025, a similar event occurred near Naval Air Station Lemoore in California.

The F-35 is considered the world’s most advanced fighter jet. The Pentagon has committed billions to the program, which includes three variants: F-35A for the Air Force, F-35B for the Marines, and F-35C for the Navy. The F-35B features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.

Critics have long raised concerns about the cost of the F-35 program, which has been described as “out of control” by former President Donald Trump during his first term. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report projected a total Pentagon investment of $1.7 trillion for nearly 2,500 aircraft, highlighting ongoing maintenance challenges and delays in military service depots.

More information will be released once it’s available.