US Military Seeks Public Assistance in Locating Missing F-35 Fighter Jet
In an effort to locate a missing F-35 fighter jet, the US military has called upon the public for assistance after the pilot ejected from the aircraft.
The F-35 fighter jet disappeared on Sunday afternoon while the pilot was conducting a flight over the southern state of South Carolina.
The pilot, whose identity has not been disclosed, safely ejected from the aircraft and parachuted to the ground.
According to BBC reports, the pilot is currently in stable condition and receiving medical care in a hospital.
The appeal for assistance was issued by the US military facility, Joint Base Charleston, through its verified X account on social media.
The facility stated, “We’re working with @MCASBeaufortSC (Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort) to locate an F-35 that was involved in a mishap this afternoon. The pilot ejected safely. If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600.”
According to the information provided, the search is concentrated in the area north of JB Charleston, specifically around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, based on the last-known position of the jet. Federal aviation regulators are collaborating with the military in the search efforts.
The F-35 is known to be one of the world’s largest and most expensive weapons programs of its kind, underscoring the significance of this search and recovery operation.
