China Obtains Classified F-35 Stealth Components Due to Supply Chain Error
China obtained classified F-35 stealth fighter components after a shipping error routed sensitive military hardware through Hong Kong, sparking a Pentagon investigation.
China has successfully obtained classified components of the F-35 fighter jet after a supply chain error routed sensitive stealth materials through Hong Kong, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.
The incident, which has caused profound embarrassment at the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin, occurred in late May. The shipment included an F-35 canopy and a weapons bay door coated in classified radar-absorbent material.
Security Breach and Supply Chain Failure
According to details provided in a closed Pentagon briefing, the shipment was originally scheduled to travel to San Francisco via South Korea and Taiwan. However, due to delays and an attempt to expedite delivery, the cargo was routed through Hong Kong and intercepted by Chinese authorities.
"This is not good that the Chinese now hold an F-35 canopy," warned Diana Maurer of the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Investigation and Congressional Outrage
The Pentagon and the State Department have launched formal investigations into the breach. U.S. lawmakers are demanding an immediate review of global defense supply chains to prevent similar security lapses.
