The U.S. is investigating reports that F-35 components bound for America were accidentally rerouted to Hong Kong and, according to Bloomberg, came into Chinese possession. The shipment reportedly included a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door sent from Australia in late May. The Pentagon has confirmed the parts are missing and is seeking their return, while analysts warn Beijing could try to reverse-engineer sensitive stealth technology. The incident was reported as Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for a three-day visit.
Report: China Took Possession Of F-35 Parts Mistakenly Diverted To Hong Kong
(Saul Loeb/AP photo)
U.S. officials are investigating reports that components from an F-35 fighter jet were accidentally rerouted to Hong Kong and subsequently came into the possession of Chinese authorities, raising concerns about the security of sensitive stealth technology.
Last week, Politico reported that a shipment of F-35 parts bound for the United States for maintenance was inexplicably redirected. The outlet said the shipment included elements of the aircraft tied to its stealth capabilities—hardware that the U.S. and allied partners closely guard. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the parts were missing and said U.S. officials were working to recover them.
On Wednesday, Bloomberg published reporting indicating that Chinese authorities have taken custody of the missing components. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, UPS was transporting a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door removed from an Australian military F-35 that had been shipped to the United States for inspection and possible repair or disposal in late May. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the items were diverted to Hong Kong before reaching the U.S.
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 US from Australia, people briefed on the incident said.
Bloomberg's report further indicated that, as of publication, China had not returned the components to U.S. authorities. If Beijing were to gain access to the parts, analysts warn it could attempt to reverse-engineer elements of the aircraft’s stealth design—an outcome that would have significant national security implications.
The timing of the reporting drew attention because news of the alleged seizure coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in Washington, D.C., for a three-day visit. U.S. officials have not publicly disclosed all investigative details; the matter remains under review by government agencies and the carrier involved.
What is known: Multiple media outlets cite unnamed sources for the chain of events, the Pentagon has acknowledged missing parts and recovery efforts, and Bloomberg reported Chinese possession of the components. Officials have emphasized an ongoing investigation and efforts to secure the parts and assess any damage to classified capabilities.
Help us improve.
