The Chinese government has taken possession of potentially sensitive F-35 stealth aircraft parts that were inexplicably diverted to Hong Kong while being sent to the U.S. from Australia. The parts, a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door from an Australian military F-35, were being shipped by UPS for inspection, repair, or disposal in late May. Both components, supplied by Lockheed Martin, were coated with radar-absorbing material, which enhances their stealth capabilities.
The shipment route involved a stop in South Korea before the diversion to Hong Kong. It remains unclear whether the diversion was intentional or accidental. The Chinese government has reportedly not returned the parts. This incident is occurring at a sensitive political time, with Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting the U.S. for a state visit hosted by President Donald Trump.
Multiple U.S. congressional committees, including the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, are investigating the incident. Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, expressed concern over the situation, highlighting China's competitive and adversarial stance on military intelligence. The Pentagon has acknowledged a "shipment issue" and is actively working to retrieve the components, investigate the incident, and implement safeguards to prevent future occurrences.
The F-35 is a highly advanced fighter jet used by numerous countries, including Australia, which serves as an Indo-Pacific inventory hub for F-35 parts and maintenance for allied nations. This incident raises concerns about China's potential access to advanced U.S. military technology, particularly given its history of espionage efforts targeting the F-35 program. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that his country is examining the Australian end of the process, while Lockheed Martin indicated that the Department of Defense selected the transportation options and carriers.
UPS disclosed the incident to the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. The company, through spokesman Malcolm Berkley, declined to comment further. This event underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the importance of securing sensitive military technologies.
