The F-35 Joint Program Office has temporarily halted flight operations for a number of F-35Bs.

A spokesman for the F-35 JPO, who confirmed the issue exclusively to Defence News and Marine Corps Times, stated F-35Bs with higher flight hours were halted from flight as two new parts were found that will require further inspection.  One source close to the program said that only a couple dozen F-35Bs meet the criteria where an operational pause would be necessary. Some of the older engines with higher flight hours may require additional fuel tube replacements.