Two US Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided midair during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show near Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday, prompting a major emergency response. All four crew members aboard the aircraft managed to eject safely before the jets crashed to the ground, according to reports.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:10 pm local time during the second day of the air show. The aircraft involved belonged to Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-129, which operates from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
According to Fox News Digital, the collision took place while the jets were performing manoeuvres as part of the air show demonstration. Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed the two aircraft colliding in midair before four parachutes appeared in the sky as the crew members ejected moments before impact.
The damaged aircraft later crashed to the ground and burst into flames, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air near the airbase.
Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet, confirmed that all four aircrew members successfully ejected and were receiving medical evaluation following the crash.
In an official statement posted on Facebook, Mountain Home Gunfighters said an “aircraft incident” had occurred approximately two miles northwest of Mountain Home Air Force Base during the ongoing Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
“Emergency responders are on the scene, an investigation is underway, and more details will be released as they become available,” the statement read.
Local broadcaster KTVB reported that multiple witnesses saw the two military jets collide during the live aerial performance. Emergency teams, law enforcement personnel, and military officials quickly rushed to the crash site to contain the situation and begin investigation procedures.
The EA-18G Growler is one of the US Navy’s advanced electronic warfare aircraft developed from the F/A-18 Super Hornet platform. The aircraft is specifically designed for airborne electronic attack missions, radar jamming, and electronic surveillance operations.
The incident comes at a time when the United States is investing heavily in modernising its combat aviation fleet. Recently, the US Department of War announced a nearly USD 1 billion contract awarded to Lockheed Martin for upgrades to the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter fleet.
Under the contract valued at USD 991.1 million, Lockheed Martin will supply 432 modification kits for F-35 fighter jets operated by the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, allied nations, and foreign military sales customers.
The upgrade programme is linked to the advanced Block 4 modernisation package, which includes enhanced electronic warfare systems, increased missile capacity, improved target recognition capabilities, and several classified combat improvements.
The US Navy has not yet disclosed the exact cause of the midair collision. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.
