Tokyo, January 16, 2026 (Agencies) — A US Air Force F?35A Lightning II stealth fighter has crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Japan’s Aomori Prefecture after issuing a distress signal, officials confirmed Friday. The pilot remains missing as joint US-Japanese search operations continue in the area.
The aircraft transmitted transponder code 7700 — the universal aviation emergency signal — at 11:09 Beijing time, indicating a severe onboard emergency. Moments later, the jet disappeared from radar screens. Fragments of wreckage and oil slicks have since been located, but no trace of the pilot has been found.
Japanese destroyers, coast guard vessels, and anti-submarine aircraft have been deployed to the crash zone, while the US has dispatched carrier strike group ships and underwater drones. The search is complicated by harsh winter conditions and the depth of the waters, estimated at 1,500 meters, with strong currents and temperatures between 2–9°C.
Japan’s Defense Ministry has grounded all F?35A jets pending investigation, stressing the need to ensure safety before resuming operations. The incident marks the 18th major accident involving the F?35 series since its introduction, and the second crash in Japan — the first occurred in 2019 in the same region.
The F?35 program has long faced criticism over technical defects and cost overruns. Analysts note that the crash will intensify debate about the jet’s reliability and operational readiness. The aircraft carries advanced stealth and sensor technology, making recovery efforts critical to prevent sensitive systems from being compromised.
The crash comes amid heightened tensions in East Asia, where the US has sought to reinforce its military presence. Japan’s reliance on the F?35 fleet for air defense raises questions about operational continuity. Washington has cordoned off the search area to secure sensitive technology, underscoring the strategic importance of the aircraft.