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By Gabe Whisnant and Joshua Rhett Miller
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Emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident involving an F-35 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego on Friday morning.
The incident, described by officials as an "aircraft mishap," occurred around 10 a.m. local time.
A Marine Corps spokesperson told Newsweek via email, "We can confirm a Class A mishap involving a Marine Corps F-35B occurred in the vicinity of MCAS Miramar. The pilot ejected and has been recovered."
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The spokesperson added that the pilot had been transported to a local medical facility in stable condition for evaluation and treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
"More information will be made available as the situation develops," they added.
About the F-35 Fighter Jet
The F-35 Lightning II is the Pentagon's flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter and one of the most ambitious weapons programs ever undertaken by the United States. Built by Lockheed Martin, the aircraft was designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air combat, precision strikes, intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. The program includes three variants: the Air Force's F-35A, the Marine Corps' short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C flown by the Navy. The aircraft is also operated by a growing number of U.S. allies and partners around the world.
While military officials have hailed the F-35 for its stealth capabilities, advanced sensors and ability to share battlefield data, the program has also faced years of scrutiny over rising costs, maintenance challenges and development delays. Despite those criticisms, the jet has become a cornerstone of U.S. and allied air power, with hundreds already in service and additional aircraft on order. The F-35 program is expected to remain a key part of the U.S. military's combat aviation fleet for decades.
F-35's Role in the Iran Conflict
The F-35 has played a prominent role in recent military operations involving Iran because of its stealth capabilities and ability to penetrate heavily defended airspace. Israeli F-35I "Adir" fighter jets, a modified version of the U.S.-made F-35, were widely reported to have been used in strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-related targets, with defense analysts citing the aircraft's low radar signature, advanced sensors and intelligence-gathering capabilities as key advantages. The jet has also been used in air defense and aerial combat missions linked to the conflict.
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What Is Marine Corps Air Station Miramar?
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located in San Diego, California, is one of the Marine Corps' premier aviation hubs and serves as home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The installation supports a wide range of military aviation operations, training programs and readiness missions, including those involving the F-35B Lightning II, the short takeoff and vertical landing variant flown by the Marine Corps.
Miramar is perhaps best known to the public as the former home of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, or "Top Gun," before the program moved to Nevada in the 1990s. Today, the base remains a critical center for Marine aviation on the West Coast and hosts the annual Miramar Air Show, one of the largest military air shows in the United States.
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