The United Kingdom has announced that a number of problems have been detected on F-35B Lightning II aircraft. The F-35 Joint Program Office conducted a detailed inspection of the Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning II aircraft. As a result of this inspection, it was determined that five F-35B Lightning II required a replacement of the fuel tube. Aircrafts which have problem are grounded.

There are currently 16 F-35B Lightning II inventory of Royal Air Force. Some of these aircraft are participating in trials on the HMS Queen Elizabeth (R 08) aircraft carrier, while others are stationed at the RAF Marham Base and in the US. One of the nine aircraft deployed in RAF Marham was also reported to be affected by the fuel tube problem.