The Dutch F-35s are currently no longer flying with thunderstorms. Damaged pipes in a fuel tank have been found in fighter aircraft of this type, the Ministry of Defense reports Friday.
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The defect was discovered on F-35s from other countries. After inspection, countries with the F35-A, including the Netherlands, were advised not to let the aircraft fly during thunderstorms. They must then be in a hangar on the ground or protected by a lightning rod.
The damaged pipes must ensure that the risk of explosion of fuel vapors, for example, in the event of a lightning strike, is reduced to the minimum, according to the ministry. It is not known what causes the problem. That is still being investigated.
Belgium has also ordered F-35s, which will be delivered between 2023 and 2030.
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