Sensitive F-35 Jet Parts Diverted to Hong Kong and Fall Into Chinese Hands
Sensitive F-35 fighter jet components shipped from Australia to the U.S. were inexplicably diverted to Hong Kong and reached the Chinese government, prompting investigations.
Sensitive components of the F-35 stealth fighter have fallen into the hands of the Chinese government after a shipment from Australia to the United States was inexplicably diverted to Hong Kong, Bloomberg reported, citing officials briefed on the matter.
According to the report, UPS transported a cockpit canopy and weapon bay door from a Royal Australian Air Force F-35 in late May. The parts were sent to the U.S. for inspection and potential repair or decommissioning. En route, the shipment stopped in South Korea before being diverted to Hong Kong, where the parts eventually reached the Chinese government and have not been returned.
The Pentagon confirmed it is aware of the incident and is working to retrieve the components. At least two congressional committees are investigating how the parts reached China, raising concerns over stealth technology exposure.
Australia has also launched an investigation, with Defense Minister Richard Marles stating that Canberra is reviewing all aspects of the Australian side of the transfer while maintaining confidence in its F-35 program partnership with Lockheed Martin.
