Australia has confirmed that some F-35 fighter jet components being shipped to the United States for repairs were mistakenly diverted to Hong Kong, according to CNN.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said Canberra is working with US authorities and Lockheed Martin to investigate the incident.
The Pentagon also confirmed a shipment problem involving unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components and said efforts are underway to recover them and strengthen safeguards.
The incident has raised concerns because US officials have long worried about China obtaining information linked to the F-35, a highly advanced stealth fighter. Congressional staff have reportedly received briefings on the matter.
Marles said he understood that no sensitive components were included in the missing shipment. Lockheed said it follows US Defense Department and logistics regulations but declined to discuss specific shipments for security reasons.
Related Tweet:
Missing F-35 fighter parts are not "sensitive", says Australian defence minister.
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 22, 2026
News outlet Politico said a shipment of F-35 parts, including a canopy with radar-resistant technology, had been diverted to Hong Kong after leaving Australia, raising the possibility China had… pic.twitter.com/gHiUYRVccw
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