The Pentagon and U.S. authorities are investigating how F-35 stealth fighter components were diverted to Hong Kong, with officials confirming the shipment issue and vowing to retrieve the parts. The F-35 Joint Program Office stated it is working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to investigate the incident and implement safeguards to prevent recurrence.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed the components ended up in Hong Kong but asserted that the missing parts were not sensitive equipment. Australia, a partner in the F-35 program, is collaborating with the U.S. and Lockheed Martin to address the issue.
The diversion occurred in late May, when a UPS shipment carrying a cockpit canopy and weapons bay door from Australia to the U.S. was inexplicably rerouted to Hong Kong. Both parts were coated with radar-absorbing material, enhancing the F-35’s stealth capabilities. The Pentagon has not disclosed how the diversion occurred or whether any other components were involved.
Official Responses and Investigations
The F-35 Joint Program Office issued a statement acknowledging the shipment issue and pledging full cooperation with authorities. The Pentagon has not provided additional details, while Lockheed Martin, UPS, and the Australian government have not responded to requests for comment.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles reiterated that the diverted parts were not classified or sensitive, though he did not specify their exact nature. He emphasized Australia’s commitment to working with the U.S. to resolve the matter, stating that both countries are reviewing procedures to prevent similar incidents.
Broader Context and Concerns
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter manufactured by Lockheed Martin, with sales restricted to close U.S. allies. The aircraft’s advanced technology has been a target of espionage efforts in the past, including cases involving Chinese attempts to obtain F-35-related data.
U.S. lawmakers have previously raised concerns about the potential for F-35 technology to be compromised. For example, a $24 billion sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia was approved last week, with some members of Congress warning that such transfers could risk exposing sensitive technology to adversaries like China.
Background on F-35 Security Measures
The F-35 program includes strict controls on the distribution of its components to prevent unauthorized access. Past incidents, such as Turkey’s exclusion from the program after purchasing the Russian S-400 system, highlight the risks of technology proliferation. The U.S. has previously accused China of targeting F-35-related data in espionage cases, underscoring the strategic importance of securing the aircraft’s technology.
Next Steps
Authorities have not provided a timeline for the retrieval of the diverted components or the completion of the investigation. The focus remains on determining how the diversion occurred and whether additional safeguards are needed to protect sensitive military shipments.