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The British Defence Ministry also tweeted a clarification that it was not grounding its F-35 aircraft, but \"paused some F-35 flying as a precautionary measure while we consider the findings of an ongoing enquiry.\"

Contrary to reports, all F-35 jets have not been grounded. We have paused some F-35 flying as a precautionary measure while we consider the findings of an ongoing enquiry. Flight trials from @HMSQnlz continue and the programme remains on schedule #F35 @thef35 pic.twitter.com/yOOpSAFxZ0

— Ministry of Defence ???? (@DefenceHQ) October 11, 2018

The wide-ranging grounding of the entire fleet comes after a Marine F-35B joint strike fighter went down in Beaufort, South Carolina, on Sept. 28. The Marine pilot safely ejected from the plane in what was the first crash for the F-35 aircraft that will become the main fighter for the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.

\"PHOTO:
Kensley Crosby/AP, FILE
PHOTO: Smoke bellows from a military jet that crashed, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 in Beaufort, S.C.
>

\"The primary goal following any mishap is the prevention of future incidents,\" according to the statement. \"We will take every measure to ensure safe operations while we deliver, sustain and modernize the F-35 for the warfighter and our defense partners.\"

The DOD said in the statement that if \"good fuel tubes are already installed, then those aircraft will be returned to flight status.\"

\"We are actively partnering with the Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office, our global customers and Pratt & Whitney to support the resolution of this issue and limit disruption to the fleet,\" said a statement issued by Lockheed Martin, the airplane manufacturer that makes the F-35. Pratt & Whitney makes the engine used in the F-35.

Inspections are expected to last a day or two, the department said.

“From the ongoing investigation, I am glad that the Department of Defense took swift and decisive action to keep the F-35 fleet and its pilots safe,\" Representative Mike Turner of Ohio who chairs the House Armed Services subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.

\"As Congress returns in the coming weeks, I will continue to hold hearings and briefings to keep our pilots safe and keep improving the F-35, which remains unparalleled in its capability as a fighter jet,” Turner added.

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