Pentagon Investigates Diversion of F-35 Parts to Hong Kong

<p>A shipment of F-35 stealth fighter parts was diverted to Hong Kong and is now in the possession of Chinese authorities, prompting a Pentagon investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, according to Bloomberg.</p><p>The shipment, transported by UPS from Australia to the United States for repair or disposal on behalf of contractor Lockheed Martin, was rerouted across the Pacific in late May. The components include an F-35 cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door.</p><p>Officials have indicated that the components do not contain the aircraft's most advanced avionics or electronic warfare systems. However, both parts are coated with radar-absorbent material, including a transparent coating designed to reduce the fighter's radar signature. Access to these materials could allow for analysis of the jet's stealth capabilities.</p><p>The Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office confirmed the incident, stating it is aware of a shipment issue involving unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components.</p><p>“We are actively working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to retrieve these components, investigate the incident, and implement safeguards to prevent future occurrences,” a defense official stated.</p><p>Lockheed Martin emphasized its adherence to federal regulations governing military transport, asserting that its teams handle shipments with diligence to ensure the integrity of the F-35 program and the security of allied partners.</p><p>The diversion has raised concerns among lawmakers on national security committees, leading to inquiries. Politico reported that U.S. State Department and Pentagon officials began briefing congressional staff on the matter in June.</p><p>This incident underscores vulnerabilities in the F-35’s extensive multinational supply chain. Although Australia operates maintenance depots for the aircraft, it lacks the facilities to repair degraded canopy coatings, necessitating transport back to the United States.</p><p>Under the program, participating allies pool and store spare parts internationally, but tracking has been identified as a weak point. A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed that over 1 million F-35 spare parts, valued at more than $85 million, had gone missing over five years, primarily due to prime contractors maintaining inventory records instead of the Department of Defense.</p><p>In Canberra, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the missing shipment but minimized 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,” and noted that Australia is collaborating closely with Lockheed Martin and Washington.</p><p>However, defense analysts and U.S. lawmakers regard the situation with greater concern, as the F-35 is considered a key asset of Western air power and is utilized by allies including the U.K., Australia, Japan, and Canada.</p>