Seoul: The Air Force announced Thursday the temporary grounding of KF-16 fighter jets following an accident at the U.S.-led multinational Red Flag air exercise in Alaska earlier this week.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the incident occurred on Tuesday (U.S. time) when two pilots ejected from a twin-seat fighter during an emergency situation at takeoff from Eielson Air Force Base. The pilots sustained no major injuries, though the aircraft suffered partial damage due to a fire.

The Air Force has sent a 20-member team to Alaska to investigate the accident and conduct emergency maintenance. This effort is in close cooperation with U.S. counterparts to determine the exact cause of the incident.

During a press briefing, an Air Force official mentioned that a decision has not yet been made regarding participation in the ongoing air exercise, which is scheduled to continue through June 27, or recalling the deployed aircrew.

South Korea has committed 11 aircraft, including six KF-16 fighters and a KC-330 transport plane, along with approximately 100 airmen, to take part in this year's Red Flag air exercise.