F-35 Jet Reported Missing after Pilot Ejects during ‘Mishap’

Authorities have solicited public assistance in locating the missing aircraft.

The incident transpired approximately at 2 pm, north of the base. Officials confirmed the pilot's safe ejection from "an F-35 that was involved in a mishap this afternoon."

Local media source WLTX asserted that the pilot engaged autopilot prior to ejection. The search operation is currently concentrated around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, as specified by Joint Base Charleston's public affairs specialist, Jeremy Huggins.

Officials from the joint base made a plea via X (formerly Twitter): "If anyone has any information that may help locate the F-35, you are asked to call the Base Defense Operations Center." They also noted their collaboration with the Marine Corps and the Federal Aviation Administration in the quest for the missing aircraft.

Last year, a crash landing incident involving an F-35B at a Texas base raised safety concerns, resulting in the temporary grounding of some aircraft for investigation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also temporarily suspended operations of its F-35s during that period.

The F-35 project, touted by Washington and US-based arms and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin as one of the most advanced fighter jets ever developed, has incurred substantial costs for US taxpayers. These expenses have arisen due to a protracted series of delays, malfunctions, and cost overruns. Nevertheless, several American allies, including Canada, Germany, and Finland, have expressed interest in acquiring the aircraft.