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RAF Marham-based jet crashes into Mediterranean Sea

The pilot has been found safe

The F35 is based at RAF Marham when not deployed
Author: Ryan Hooper and Henry Jones, PAPublished 17th Nov 2021

A British military fighter jet, usually based at RAF Marham, has crashed into the Mediterranean, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.

The pilot on board the F35 ejected from the aircraft before it crashed into the ocean, and has been found safe.

The F35s, estimated to be worth around ÂŁ100 million each, are on board the ÂŁ3 billion warship HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The incident happened at around 10am UK time on Wednesday (17 November).

An MoD spokesman confirmed:

"A British F35 pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean this morning.

"The pilot has been safely returned to the ship and an investigation has begun, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Jets from the vessel previously participated in strikes against the remnants of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

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