Witness Multiple Clips of the Costliest Jet Fighter in Existence Meet Its Demise in Crashes
The cutting-edge, yet costly F-35 fighter jet, dubbed the priciest weapon ever built at a staggering $2 trillion, suffered another crash. On Tuesday, at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, an F-35 pilot experienced an in-flight glitch, forcing an emergency ejection. Fortunately, the aviator walked away unscathed, although was taken to a nearby hospital for precautionary measures.
This isn't the first time the F-35 has made headlines for the wrong reasons. In the past, numerous malfunctions, software glitches, and human errors have led to crashes. To put things in perspective, since 2018, there have been more than a dozen F-35 crashes, with the most recent one happening in 2025.
Critics, including tech mogul Elon Musk, have been vocal about the F-35's cost and reliability issues. Meanwhile, the program's supporters argue the jet's stealth capabilities and advanced sensor suite make it a valuable asset for modern warfare.
The public and political sentiment towards the F-35 are divided. Some hail its advanced capabilities, while others question its astronomical cost and maintainability issues. Despite the challenges, the Pentagon, defense secretaries, and top brass remain committed to optimizing the F-35's performance and boosting its operational suitability in the skies.
The tech industry and future military aviation could see significant advancements with the resolution of the F-35's reliability issues. Elon Musk, a prominent tech mogul, has voiced concerns about the F-35's exorbitant cost and maintenance challenges, advocating for more affordable and reliable technology in defense.
