A debris field has been discovered, confirming that the missing F-35 fighter jet has been located north of Charleston, South Carolina. The incident occurred on Sunday, prompting a search and rescue operation to find the pilot and the aircraft. The pilot safely ejected from the jet and was taken to a local hospital in stable condition. The Marine Corps has taken over the incident command and will be leading the recovery process. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation, and officials are unable to provide further details at this time.

The community has been advised to steer clear of the area until the investigation is complete. The Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, responsible for training pilots on the F-35, operated the lost aircraft. This mishap comes five years after another F-35B crashed in South Carolina due to a faulty fuel tube. Prompted by this incident, a thorough inspection of the entire F-35 fleet was conducted to ensure the safety of the aircraft. Similar incidents involving the F-35 have occurred in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenges with the aircraft's performance and safety.

The F-35B is estimated to cost approximately $80 million, making it a significant loss for the Marine Corps. The F-35 program has faced extensive development and cost issues over the years, with initial prices exceeding $160 million. However, Lockheed Martin, the main military contractor, has stated that as production increases, the cost of the aircraft will decrease.

The search for the missing jet is concentrated on two lakes - Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion - located north of North Charleston. Military officials have asked for the public's assistance in locating the aircraft and urge anyone with information to contact the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs Office. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with military training flights and the continuous need for improvement in aviation safety measures. The investigation into the cause of the mishap will shed light on any underlying issues that need to be addressed to prevent similar incidents in the future.