Israeli Air Force F-16s from Ramon Air Base, Israel. Photo: wiki commons.

Maj Gen Amir Eshel of the Israeli air force grounded a number of F-16 fighter jets on Friday after paint flakes threatened to cause damage to the aircraft’s engines.

Crews are repainting the affected jets, which operated out of Hazor and Ramat David, and the IAF says the grounded aircraft will be operational shortly.

The exact cause of the peeling paint is not yet known although reports have suggested that high temperatures in Israel may be related.

According to Flight Global, Israel boasts a fleet of 325 F-16’s.