IAF grounds all F-16I jets

 The Israel Air Force (IAF) ordered all F-16I fighter jets grounded Friday, after a carcinogenic material was found in the cockpit of one of the planes.

IAF Commander Eliezer Shkedy ordered an examination of strong smells in the cockpit following several complaints by pilots. The Medical Corps examination found that the material in question was formaldehyde, which was recently recognized as a carcinogenic substance in high levels of exposure.

Although the substance was only found in one of the planes' cockpits, Shkedy grounded all F-16I jets pending a thorough examination.

The IAF informed the planes' manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, and the examination is being carried out in cooperation with the United States-based company.