U.S. military officials are investigating the diversion of F-35 stealth fighter components to Hong Kong while in transit from Australia.
Key facts
- •The diverted shipment included a cockpit canopy and a weapons bay door coated in radar-absorbing stealth material.
- •The parts were being transported by UPS from Australia to the U.S. when they were diverted in late May.
- •Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that Australia is working with the U.S. and Lockheed Martin to investigate the diversion.
- •U.S. prosecutors reported in 2024 that China has previously targeted F-35-related military data in espionage cases.
- •The U.S. restricts F-35 sales to its closest allies, having previously excluded Turkey from the program in 2019.
Chinese authorities are reportedly in possession of F-35 stealth fighter components after a shipment was diverted to Hong Kong. The parts, which included a cockpit canopy and a weapons bay door, were being transported by UPS from Australia to the United States in late May. Both components were coated in radar-absorbing material designed to enhance the aircraft's stealth capabilities.
Investigation and Official Response
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that Australia is aware of the incident and is coordinating with the U.S. government and Lockheed Martin to assist in the investigation. While the circumstances surrounding the diversion remain unclear, Marles stated his understanding that the missing shipment did not contain sensitive parts. Lockheed Martin, UPS, and the Pentagon have not provided immediate comments regarding the situation.
Strategic Concerns and Military Context
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter produced by Lockheed Martin, with sales strictly controlled by the U.S. government. The incident has drawn attention from U.S. lawmakers, particularly following the recent approval of a $24 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi expressed concerns that such technology could potentially reach Chinese authorities, noting that the U.S. intelligence community has previously warned about the risks of American military technology being accessed by the Chinese Communist Party. China has been linked to past espionage cases targeting F-35-related military data.
Timeline
- 2019Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program following its purchase of the Russian S-400 system.
- Late MayA UPS shipment containing F-35 parts was diverted to Hong Kong while en route from Australia to the U.S.
- 2024U.S. prosecutors reported that China has targeted F-35-related military data in espionage cases.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by SCMP Tech, CNBC Technology.
