An American fighter jet has gone missing after its pilot ejected safely over North Charleston on Sunday, according to reports. The F-35 Lightning II jet is known for its stealth capabilities therefore, locating the jet will be a tough task for the authorities.
The US Marine Corps pilot was taken to a hospital in South Carolina and is reported to be in stable condition while the US military officials have appealed to the public to help in locating the Lockheed Martin-made jet which costs a whopping $80 million.
The incident occurred on September 17 when the pilot was forced to eject from the plane due to a "mishap".
The search for the missing fighter jet is now focused on two lakes north of North Charleston, a Guardian report stated quoting US military officials.
"We’re working with @MCASBeaufortSC 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.
"Based on the jet’s last-known position and in coordination with the FAA, we are focusing our attention north of JB Charleston, around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion," tweeted the Joint Base Charleston.
F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II is a cutting-edge fifth-generation multirole fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States and its allies. It boasts exceptional stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and impressive maneuverability.
The F-35 comes in three variants: the F-35A for conventional takeoff and landing, the F-35B with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, and the F-35C designed for carrier-based operations.
Its versatile design allows it to excel in air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
Despite controversy over cost and delays during development, the F-35 remains a critical asset for modern air forces, offering unparalleled capabilities for 21st-century warfare.
