2 hrs ago
Pentagon Probes F-35 Parts Diversion To Hong Kong, China
The United States is investigating how parts from an F-35 fighter jet reached Hong Kong.
The shipment reportedly came from Australia and was supposed to travel to the United States.
It may have been sent there for repair or disposal.
The reported parts include a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door.
Bloomberg reported that China obtained the components.
Australia’s defence minister said the parts were not sensitive.
However, some lawmakers and experts are concerned that China could learn more about the aircraft.
The F-35 program office is trying to recover the parts and find out what happened.
It also says it will add safeguards to stop a similar problem in the future.
The Pentagon is investigating how F-35 components sent from Australia ended up in Hong Kong.
Bloomberg reported that China obtained a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door from the shipment.
The components were reportedly being sent to the United States for repair or disposal when the shipment was diverted.
Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles said the parts were not sensitive equipment.
The F-35 Joint Program Office said it is working with authorities and industry partners to retrieve the components and prevent a recurrence.
- Who
- The Pentagon, the F-35 Joint Program Office, Lockheed Martin, Australian officials, and reportedly Chinese authorities are involved.
- What
- An investigation is examining how F-35 components were diverted to Hong Kong and reportedly obtained by China.
- Where
- The components were sent from Australia toward the United States but ended up in Hong Kong.
- When
- The shipment was diverted months before the reports published; the investigation was acknowledged during the week of the reports.
- Why
- The shipment was reportedly headed to the United States for repair or disposal, though it is unclear how it was diverted.
Security Concerns
Officials’ Assessment
Sensitivity of the components
Security Concerns
A congressional inquiry and experts expressed concern that China’s access to the parts could expose key components of highly classified F-35 technology.
Officials’ Assessment
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the missing parts were not sensitive equipment, while the F-35 Joint Program Office said it was addressing a shipment issue.
Potential intelligence value
Security Concerns
The reported transfer raised concerns because the F-35 contains advanced stealth, radar, sensor, and networking technologies.
Officials’ Assessment
Bradley Bowman said the aircraft’s systems are continually updated, which can counteract secrets that may have been obtained years earlier.
Key facts
- Reported components
- A cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door
- Shipment route
- From Australia to the United States, with an unexpected diversion to Hong Kong
- Reported recipient
- China reportedly obtained the components
- Official investigation
- The Pentagon and F-35 Joint Program Office are investigating the shipment issue
- Australian assessment
- Defence Minister Richard Marles said the parts were not sensitive equipment
- Aircraft status
- More than 1,200 F-35 aircraft have been produced, according to the Congressional Research Service
- International use
- Military forces in 19 countries have placed orders for the F-35
Quotes
F-35 Joint Program Office
Office overseeing the F-35 joint program
“We are actively working with US authorities and industry partners to retrieve these components, investigate the incident, and place safeguards to avoid a future occurrence”
freepressjournal.in
Richard Marles
Australian Defence Minister
“My understanding is that there is a sense of comfort, and we're not talking about sensitive equipment here or sensitive parts. Ultimately, though, this is an issue which is going to be managed by the United States and by Lockheed in terms of what has occurred.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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