F-35 fighter jet from UK aircraft carrier crashes in Mediterranean
- Pilot safe after ejecting from US$135 million fighter jet during ‘routine operation’
- UK Ministry of Defence launches investigation, says no other vessels or aircraft involved
An F-35 fighter jet from Britain’s biggest aircraft carrier crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday, though the pilot ejected and was safely returned to the ship.
The pilot ejected during a routine operation over international waters. No other vessels or aircraft were involved. It was not immediately clear what caused the incident, which happened around 10am UK time.
“A British F-35 pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean this morning,” a spokesperson for the defence ministry said.
“The pilot has been safely returned to the ship and an investigation has begun, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
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HMS Queen Elizabeth is the largest and most powerful vessel ever constructed for the British navy. It can carry up to 40 aircraft, including F-35Bs.