We’ll buy F-35s despite grounding – PM

Australia will still buy the controversial F-35 fighter jets from the US despite news the entire fleet was grounded due to an engine problem.

The US on Saturday suspended all flights operated by the fleet of 51 jets to investigate the turbine blade crack.

A 2009 Australian Defence White Paper found that a fleet of up to 100 of the jets would be needed, but only two have been purchased so far.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the purchase would still go through, despite the grounding of the jets.

‘We’ll continue to monitor and be in discussions about issues that have arisen and need to be addressed in the performance of the joint strike fighter,’ she told reporters in Canberra on Sunday.

‘But we do have the agreement to purchase two and we will go ahead with that purchase.’

She said her government won’t allow a gap to arise in the nation’s air warfare capabilities.

 

Source: Sky News Australia

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