F-35 Parts Reportedly Diverted to Hong Kong, Raising Security Concerns

The components were being transported by UPS from Australia to the U.S. in late May when the shipment was diverted to Hong Kong for reasons that remain unclear, according to Bloomberg. Sources cited in the report said both parts contained radar-absorbing coatings associated with the aircraft’s stealth capabilities. Chinese authorities are now reportedly in possession of the components.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that Canberra was aware of the shipment and was working with the U.S. and F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin on the investigation. However, Marles said his understanding was that the missing shipment did not contain sensitive components. Lockheed Martin, UPS and the Pentagon had not immediately commented on the report.

The incident has drawn attention because of the highly controlled technology behind the F-35. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the fifth-generation fighter combines stealth technology with advanced sensors and other systems, and Washington restricts sales to selected partners and allies. Australia is among the countries already operating the aircraft.

Protecting F-35 technology has previously influenced U.S. defense policy. Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air-defense system, with Washington concerned that operating the two systems in proximity could allow intelligence to be gathered on the fighter’s capabilities. U.S. prosecutors have also previously alleged Chinese efforts to obtain military information related to the F-35.

The report comes shortly after the U.S. approved a $24 billion sale of F-35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia. Some lawmakers have raised concerns that sensitive American military technology could eventually become accessible to China. Those concerns reflect the broader strategic importance Washington places on preventing information about the fighter’s technology from reaching potential competitors.

The F-35 is already operated by countries including the U.S., Australia and Belgium, while Japan, Canada and Singapore are among those that have ordered the aircraft. The fighter has also been deployed by the U.S. during the conflict with Iran, with the Defense Department reporting that one aircraft sustained damage from enemy fire.

It remains unclear why the Australian shipment was diverted to Hong Kong or what technical information could potentially be obtained from the components. The differing descriptions of their sensitivity also leave important questions unresolved while the investigation continues. Given the F-35’s strategic importance, the incident is likely to keep attention focused on security across the aircraft’s international logistics and supply chain.