WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Pentagon says it has grounded its entire fleet of F-35 fighter jets after discovering a cracked engine blade.
The problem was discovered during what the Pentagon called a routine inspection at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., of an Air Force version of the F-35. Other versions of the F-35 are flown by the Navy and the Marine Corps. All versions were grounded Friday.
The F-35 is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons program at a total estimated cost of nearly $400 billion.
The Pentagon said the engine in which the problem was discovered is being shipped to a Pratt & Whitney facility in Connecticut for more thorough evaluation.
The suspension of flight operations will remain in effect until an investigation of the problem's root cause is determined.