Air Force (Air Force) The United States has suspended flights of fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters due to problems with the pyrotechnics of ejection seats, writes The Drive.
The publication notes that an inspection conducted recently revealed isolated problems with the pilot rescue system, in connection with which the US military decided to indefinitely suspend flights of all aircraft. The publication recalls that the US Air Force currently has 349 F-35 Lightning II fighters.
The operation of fighters of the Naval Forces (Navy) and the Marine Corps (Marine Corps) of the United States has also been suspended. The publication notes that the fighters may be able to return to service after the weekend.
In July, The Drive, referring to a report by the US Accounting Chamber, reported that as of February, 36 out of 450 — eight percent — of the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters were unable to fly due to problems with the F135 engine.
In November 2021, the American edition of Breaking Defense noticed that sales of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets in Europe are facing fierce competition from local manufacturers of combat aircraft.
