U.S. F-35 Parts Diverted to Hong Kong, Pentagon Investigates
U.S. F-35 parts mysteriously diverted to Hong Kong, raising security concerns and prompting Pentagon probe.
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A shipment of F-35 stealth fighter parts was mysteriously rerouted to Hong Kong, sparking a Pentagon investigation into how the components ended up in Chinese hands, Bloomberg reported. The shipment, which was being transported from Australia to the United States by UPS for repair or disposal on behalf of Lockheed Martin, was unexpectedly redirected across the Pacific in late May. The missing components include an F-35 cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door.
Security Concerns Over Stealth Technology
Although officials note the components do not contain the aircraft’s most advanced avionics or electronic warfare systems, both parts are coated with radar-absorbent material. This transparent coating is designed to minimize the fighter’s signature on enemy radar. Physical access to these materials could allow Beijing to study, reverse-engineer, or verify intelligence on the jet’s stealth capabilities.
Pentagon and Lockheed Martin Respond
The Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office confirmed the incident in a statement, noting it is “aware of a shipment issue of unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components.” A defense official said, “We are actively working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to retrieve these components, investigate the incident, and place safeguards to avoid a future occurrence.”
Lockheed Martin stated that it follows all federal regulations governing military transport, adding: “Our teams handle every shipment with the utmost diligence and safeguards to ensure the integrity of the F-35 program and the security of our allied partners.”
Capitol Hill and Supply Chain Concerns
The incident has sparked immediate concern on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers on national security committees have launched inquiries. Politico reported that U.S. State Department and Pentagon officials first began briefing congressional staff on the matter in June.
The incident highlights systemic vulnerabilities in the F-35’s massive, multinational supply chain. While Australia operates maintenance depots for the aircraft, it lacks facilities to repair degraded canopy coatings, requiring commercial air travel back to the United States. Under the program, participating allies pool and store spare parts internationally, but tracking has long been a weak point. A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed that more than 1 million F-35 spare parts — worth more than $85 million — had gone missing over a five-year period, largely because prime contractors, rather than the Department of Defense, maintain the inventory records.
Australian Response
In Canberra, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the missing shipment but downplayed the immediate risk, stating, “My understanding is that there is a sense of comfort, and we’re not talking about sensitive equipment here or sensitive parts.” Marles added that Australia is working closely with Lockheed Martin and Washington.
However, defense analysts and U.S. lawmakers view the situation far more gravely. The F-35 is widely considered the crown jewel of Western air power and is operated by close allies including the U.K., Australia, Japan, and Canada.
Source: Daily Wire
