Classified F-35 aircraft components disappear after diverted to Hong Kong from Australia - report

A shipment of sensitive F-35 stealth fighter jet components, en route from Australia to the US for repairs, was diverted to Hong Kong and has disappeared, raising concerns that China may gain access to classified US aircraft technology. The incident, reported by Politico, involved a cockpit canopy coated with radar-absorbing material. The Pentagon confirmed some components are missing, and the F-35 Joint Program Office is working to recover them. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said it was unaware of the incident.

A shipment of sensitive components for F-35 stealth fighter jets, traveling from Australia to the United States for repairs, was unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong and has disappeared. The incident, reported by Politico on Friday, has raised concerns that China may gain access to highly classified US aircraft technology. According to three sources familiar with the case, the flight was rerouted en route. It is unclear who currently holds the components or if they are being transferred to Chinese authorities. The Pentagon confirmed some components are missing, and the F-35 Joint Program Office stated it is working with US authorities and industry partners to recover them and investigate. The shipment included a cockpit canopy, a key component coated with radar-absorbing material that helps hide the aircraft from enemy radar. Access to the canopy could allow a rival country to examine its materials and production methods and attempt reverse-engineering. The incident led to briefings for staff of key national security committees in Congress, with the first briefing held in June. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said it was unaware of the incident. The US State Department declined to comment. Lockheed Martin said it complies with all US regulations but could not discuss shipment status for security reasons.