China gained access to F-35 fighter jet parts after redirecting cargo to Hong Kong
The cockpit canopy and weapons compartment door of the Australian F-35 with a radio-absorbing coating were obtained by the Chinese authorities
Quick Look
- Chinese authorities received components of the American F-35 fighter jet with radar-absorbing coating, which were redirected to Hong Kong during transportation from Australia to the United States.
- The incident is being investigated by the Pentagon and Australian authorities.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Components of the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet contain radar-absorbing material to reduce signature.
Chinese authorities received parts of the American F-35 fighter jet, which were redirected to Hong Kong during transportation from Australia to the United States. Bloomberg reports this, citing sources familiar with the situation.
According to the agency's interlocutors, at the end of May, the UPS delivery service transported the cockpit canopy and weapons compartment door of the Australian F-35. The components were sent to the USA for inspection, possible repair or subsequent disposal. Sources say both parts, made by Lockheed Martin, were coated with a radar-absorbing material used to reduce the aircraft's visibility.
As one of Bloomberg’s interlocutors said, during the route the cargo first ended up in South Korea and then was sent to Hong Kong. The reasons for the route change remain unknown, as does whether it was by mistake or intentionally. After the shipment arrived, Chinese authorities seized the parts and have not returned them to date, two sources said. The Chinese Embassy refused to comment on the situation, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that it had no information about this case.
In the US Congress, the circumstances of the transportation are being studied by the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Armed Services. The Pentagon confirmed that it is aware of the problem with the delivery of faulty F-35 components and is working to return them. The department said it was investigating the circumstances of the incident together with American authorities and industrial partners, and was also taking measures to prevent similar incidents.
Lockheed Martin Australia said the faulty parts were considered to be of low risk from a commercial point of view. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said Canberra was conducting its own review into the circumstances of the incident.
According to Bloomberg, US lawmakers are concerned that such components may be of interest for studying F-35 stealth technologies. These are the risks that were previously discussed in the United States when considering possible exports of these fighters to Washington’s allies.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Conducting an official investigation by the US Congress and the Pentagon
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Why was the cargo redirected to Hong Kong?
- Will Chinese authorities return the seized parts?
