US orders grounding of all F-35 stealth fighters worldwide

• October 12, 2018 06:18

The Pentagon on October 11 grounded the entire fleet of F-35 stealth fighter jets worldwide after the crash of the most expensive aircraft in history.

Photo is for illustration purposes only. (Source: Engadget)

According to Mr. Joe Della Vedova, spokesman for the F-35 program, the US and its international allies, including the UK and Israel, have temporarily stopped all F-35 flight operations to inspect fuel pipes in the engines of all F-35 aircraft.
"The review was conducted based on initial data obtained during the investigation of the F-35B crash near Beaufort, South Carolina," DellaVedova said in a statement."He also said the fuel lines would be removed and replaced. If good lines were installed, the planes would be returned to service. The inspections are expected to be completed within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Meanwhile, British officials said the US decision did not affect all of the country's F-35 aircraft and only some flights were suspended.
On September 28, a US Marine Corps F-35B was completely destroyed in a crash during a training exercise in South Carolina, but the pilot ejected in time. This was the first crash of the F-35 series./.