F‑35 crash sparks debate over jet program's future
During training exercises at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, an F-35 fighter jet crashed. The aircraft crashed on the runway and burst into flames. Footage from the US Air Force Base quickly appeared online, showing the pilot evacuating from the aircraft just in time.
On Tuesday (28 January), in the early afternoon, the F-35 fighter jet fell on the Eielson base runway and caught fire. The pilot managed to eject and landed safely thanks to a parachute. He was taken to Bassett Army Hospital for observation.
Colonel Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, reported that the pilot experienced an "in-flight malfunction" before the crash. The base authorities warned against stopping on the nearby highway to view the wreckage and reminded the public that photographing near the base is prohibited by federal law.
Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed in ensuring their safety and security. I can assure you the United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation in hopes to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again, declared Townsend, as quoted by the "NY Post".
Americans lose equipment; significant criticism in the USA
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, is criticised for the high production costs of the aircraft despite accusations that it cut corners on quality.
According to a preliminary agreement between the US Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin, the price of the fighter jet has been reduced in recent years from about 135.8 million dollars in 2021 to 81 million dollars in 2024.
In November, Elon Musk, head of the Government Efficiency Department, criticised the F-35 programme for poor performance and announced a reduction in federal spending.
On platform X (formerly Twitter), he stated that the F-35 project was flawed from the beginning, trying to fulfil too many tasks simultaneously, making it expensive and complicated but outstanding in no specific area. He added that manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones and only endanger pilots.
Musk highlighted that drone-based weaponry, including combat aircraft, is the future of warfare. According to the US Government Accountability Office, the F-35 programme will run until 2088 and cost over 2 trillion dollars.
