US investigates F-35 fighter jet parts diverted to Hong Kong; China retains components

The Pentagon is investigating how sensitive F-35 fighter jet components were diverted to Hong Kong during transit from Australia to the United States in May 2026. According to multiple reports, a shipment containing a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door was rerouted mid-flight, with a UPS cargo aircraft stopping in South Korea before diverting to Hong Kong. The components remain in Chinese government custody as of late September.

The F-35 Joint Program Office confirmed awareness of "a shipment issue of unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components" and stated it is working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to retrieve the parts, investigate the incident, and implement safeguards. Lockheed Martin, the F-35 manufacturer, contracted an intermediary to transport the components for repair or disposal. The circumstances of the diversion—whether accidental, due to shipping error, or deliberate—remain unclear.

U.S. Congress has launched multiple investigations into the incident. Senators Mark Warner and Kevin Cramer, along with the House Armed Services Committee, have sought detailed briefings from Pentagon officials. Warner stated the situation is "extremely concerning," while Cramer questioned whether the diversion resulted from logistics error, ally negligence, or intentional Chinese interception. Both the cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door are coated with radar-absorbent material designed to enhance stealth capabilities—technology restricted to the United States and its allies.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the diversion on September 22 but characterized the missing parts as non-sensitive, stating Australia is "confident" about its program engagement. Australia serves as the Indo-Pacific logistics hub for F-35 components supporting allied nations in the region. China's Foreign Ministry and the Hong Kong government have stated they are "not aware" of the incident or declined to comment.

The F-35 Lightning II is the world's most expensive weapons system, with over 1,200 aircraft produced and 19 countries operating or ordering the platform. The Pentagon has previously documented Chinese cyberattacks accessing F-35 program data; a 2013 Defense Science Board report alleged Beijing penetrated dozens of Pentagon programs including the joint strike fighter. U.S. officials have long expressed concerns about Chinese acquisition of advanced American military technology.