US Military Seeks Public Assistance in Locating Missing Fighter Jet

The US military is seeking public assistance in the search for a missing F-35 fighter jet, which disappeared when the pilot ejected over South Carolina on Sunday afternoon. The pilot, whose identity remains undisclosed, safely deployed a parachute and is now in stable condition at a hospital, as reported by BBC. The appeal for help in locating the aircraft was made by Joint Base Charleston, a US military facility, through its verified X account.

They said, “We’re working with @MCASBeaufortSC (Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort) 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.”

According to the statement, the search is focused north of JB Charleston, around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion based on the jet’s last-known position. The search is being carried out with federal aviation regulators.

The F-35 is reportedly one of the largest and most expensive weapons program of its type in the world.