Prime Minister Julia Gillard has confirmed that Australia will go ahead with purchasing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter from the US, despite the jets being grounded by the Pentagon due to a cracked engine blade.
The US military on Saturday suspended all flights operated by the fleet of 51 jets to investigate the turbine blade crack.
A statement issued by the Pentagon said that “it is too early to know the fleet-wide impact of the recent finding."
The statement added that the F-35 Joint Program Office is working closely with Pratt & Whitney and Lockheed Martin at all F-35 locations to ensure the integrity of the engine and to return the fleet safely to flight as soon as possible.
PM Gillard told reporters on the weekend that Australia would continue with the purchase of the first two JSFs, which have already been paid for.
australiandefence.com.au
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