F‑35 crash reignites debate over costly jet program
During training exercises at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, an F-35 fighter jet was involved in a crash. The plane crashed on the runway and burst into flames. Footage from the US Air Force base quickly surfaced online, showing the pilot evacuating from the aircraft.
On Tuesday, January 28, in the early afternoon (Eastern Time), the F-35 fighter jet crashed onto the Eielson Air Force Base runway and caught fire. The pilot managed to eject and safely landed with the help of 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. Base authorities warned against stopping on the nearby highway to view the wreckage and reminded the public that taking photographs 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, stated Townsend, as quoted by the "NY Post".
Americans lost equipment. Significant criticism in the USA
The F-35 manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, is criticized for high production costs despite allegations of cutting 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 approximately $135.8 million in 2021 to $81 million in 2024.
In November, Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, criticized the F-35 program for poor execution and announced a reduction in federal spending.
On platform X (formerly Twitter), he stated that the F-35 project was flawed from the start. It tried to fulfill too many tasks simultaneously, making it expensive and complex but unremarkable in any area. He added that manned fighters are obsolete in the era of drones and only put pilots at risk.
Musk emphasized that drone-based weaponry, including combat aircraft, is the future of warfare. According to the US Government Accountability Office, the F-35 program is scheduled to last until 2088 and has costs estimated at over $2 trillion.
