Watch: F-35 fighter jet crashes in Alaska

A US Air Force F-35 fighter jet crashed during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska on Tuesday. The pilot ejected safely and is in stable condition after being assessed at a nearby medical facility.

The incident occurred during the landing phase when the pilot declared an inflight emergency due to a malfunction. Video footage of the crash, which shows the jet flipping before hitting the ground

Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, confirmed that the pilot experienced an "inflight malfunction" but successfully ejected before the crash. Although the incident caused significant damage to the jet, the pilot was able to exit the aircraft safely.

The Air Force has initiated a thorough investigation into the crash to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

Eielson Air Force Base, located about 25 miles south of Fairbanks, has been home to a fleet of F-35s since 2016, following a major expansion that cost over half a billion dollars. This expansion included the construction of 36 new buildings, numerous housing units, and the relocation of around 3,500 airmen and their families.

This incident follows other notable F-35 crashes, including one in May 2024, when an F-35 crashed after refueling in New Mexico on its way to California.

The pilot was seriously injured. Additionally, a Marine investigation revealed that in 2023, an F-35 pilot unnecessarily ejected, causing the jet to fly unmanned for 11 minutes before crashing in South Carolina.

The F-35 is a state-of-the-art stealth fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin for the US and allied forces. It is designed for a wide range of missions and boasts advanced technology, including the ability to fly for over 12 hours, covering vast distances in the Northern Hemisphere.