A Defence spokesperson has confirmed that the Royal Australian Air Force will continue to fly their fleet of F-35As despite the discovery of a faulty ejector seat part in the US.

Defence has confirmed that the RAAF will continue to fly the F-35As, following an independent risk assessment on the aircraft’s ejector seat cartridge actuated device (CAD).

“Air Force is aware of the issues surrounding the ejection seat in the F-35A fleet,” a Defence spokesperson said.

“The F-35A Joint Program Office (JPO) – the engineering authority for F-35s globally – is investigating a possible cartridge actuated device quality assurance issue. The CADs are used in the F-35 pilot ejection system.

“Air Force has undertaken an independent risk assessment based on information provided by the F-35A JPO and will continue flying the F-35A.

“Air Force will continue to engage with the US Air Force and JPO and review its risk assessment if new information is received.”

It was revealed late last week that the US Air Force grounded their fleet of F-35s due to the discovery of a fault in an aircraft’s ejection seat in April, with the US Navy and Marine Corps shortly following suit.