Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on Sept. 29 formally requested the Department of Defense review security controls for U.S. military equipment transported through commercial and contractor-managed supply chains. The request follows reports that F-35 stealth fighter components shipped from Australia to the U.S. for repairs were diverted to Hong Kong during transit.
Cotton, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth outlining concerns over vulnerabilities in the supply chain. He cited F-35 components bound for the United States from Australia that were rerouted and ultimately ended up in Hong Kong, where Chinese authorities took possession of the parts.
Five Areas for Review
Cotton’s request includes five specific areas for examination:
- Chain-of-custody requirements for military equipment and supplies moved by contractors and commercial carriers.
- The Pentagon’s ability to track the location and routing of shipments.
- Procedures for approving and reporting route changes.
- Criteria for allowing shipments to pass through foreign jurisdictions.
- Safeguards against military materiel transiting through or being diverted to China and other adversary-controlled jurisdictions.
Cotton emphasized the reliance on contractors and commercial carriers for moving military equipment globally, noting that these arrangements introduce potential vulnerabilities. He argued that secure supply chains are critical to ensuring weapons, technology, and supplies reach U.S. troops rather than adversaries.
In a Sept. 29 post on X, Cotton stated, “We can’t afford for U.S. military equipment to fall into the hands of a foreign adversary because of vulnerabilities in commercial transportation.” He added, “That’s why I’m calling on [the Department of Defense] to conduct a review and take any necessary actions.”
The Pentagon has not yet publicly responded to Cotton’s request. The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.
Background: F-35 Supply Chain and Security Concerns
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet used by the U.S. military and allied nations. Components for the aircraft are often shipped internationally for repair, maintenance, or upgrades. The diversion of F-35 parts to Hong Kong raises questions about the oversight of sensitive military shipments during transit.
The incident underscores broader concerns about the security of global supply chains for military equipment, particularly as U.S. adversaries like China seek to acquire advanced technology. The Pentagon has previously highlighted risks associated with foreign transit points, including the potential for unauthorized access or diversion of sensitive materials.
Cotton’s call for a review reflects ongoing debates about the balance between operational efficiency and national security in military logistics. The senator’s request does not specify whether the diverted F-35 components were recovered or remain in Chinese possession.