Military confirms F-35 fleet grounded in wake of US crash

11 October 2018, 6:46 pm

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The IDF confirms that its fleet of F-35 fighter jets has been grounded following the crash of one of the stealth aircraft in the United States late last month.

The army says Israeli Air Force chief Amikam Norkin said the decision was made as a precautionary measure after a fuel line in the crashed plane’s motor was found to be faulty.

Though the IAF uses a different model of F-35 than the one that crashed, Israel’s fleet of 12 fighter jets were grounded in order to ensure that they don’t have the same fuel line issue.

“The examination will take place over a number of days and when it is completed, the planes will return to full service,” the army says.

The military adds that the planes will be used for operations if necessary.

— Judah Ari Gross