The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that a Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter assigned to No 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’ aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) has crashed into the Mediterranean Sea

Taking to social media, the UK MOD’s Press Office (@DefenceHQPress on Twitter) confirmed that the F-35B was conducting routine flight operations from the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier over the Mediterranean Sea before it crashed on the morning of November 17.

In a statement, the UK MOD’s Press Office stated that the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and “has been safely returned to the ship”, adding that an investigation into the incident has begun and that no further comment would be made at this time.

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