Stories
F-35 Parts Diverted to China: Pentagon Probes Mystery Shipment Via Hong Kong
- •Two F-35 fighter jet components, a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door, intended for repair in the US, were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong and are now in Chinese possession.
- •The parts, from an Australian F-35, were being shipped by UPS and stopped in South Korea before being rerouted to Hong Kong, prompting investigations in the US and Australia.
- •The components are coated with radar-absorbing material, raising concerns about potential information China could gain regarding the F-35's stealth characteristics.
- •The F-35 Joint Program Office confirmed a "shipment issue" and is working to retrieve the components, investigate the incident, and implement safeguards.
- •Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated the components are not considered sensitive, but experts warn that physical access could still provide valuable intelligence to China.
Key Questions Answered
Two unserviceable F-35 components from an Australian military aircraft—a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door—were being shipped to the United States by UPS for inspection and repair in late May when the shipment was unexpectedly diverted through South Korea to Hong Kong.
The shipment included an F-35 cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door supplied by manufacturer Lockheed Martin, both of which are coated with specialized radar-absorbing material designed to maintain the aircraft's stealth characteristics.
The F-35 Joint Program Office confirmed it is aware of the shipment issue and is working with US authorities and Lockheed Martin to retrieve the parts, investigate the diversion, and implement safeguards. Meanwhile, Australian defence minister Richard Marles stated that Canberra is cooperating with the US, though he noted the components are not considered sensitive equipment.
