Pakistan, July 31 -- A U.S. Navy F-35C fighter jet, valued at $100 million, crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California on Wednesday evening. The crash occurred around 6:30 PM during a routine training flight, but the pilot ejected safely and was taken for medical evaluation. No civilian injuries or property damage were reported.

The aircraft went down in a flat, open agricultural area roughly 40 miles southwest of Fresno. Video footage from local news showed heavy smoke and flames at the crash site shortly after the impact. Emergency responders from the base quickly secured the area.

According to the U.S. Navy, the aircraft belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-125, known as the "Rough Raiders." The squadron operates...