Pentagon Investigates F-35 Parts Leak to China

Pentagon probes how F-35 parts ended up in Hong Kong, with reports indicating China obtained sensitive equipment from the U.S. stealth fighter jet.

Editorial Desk

September 24, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — The Pentagon is investigating how components of the U.S. Air Force’s most advanced fighter jet, the F-35, ended up in Hong Kong, with reports indicating that China has acquired the parts.

The F-35 Joint Program Office confirmed it is working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to recover the components, investigate the incident, and implement safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the presence of F-35 parts in Hong Kong but denied they were sensitive equipment. He stated that the issue would be managed by the U.S. and Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the F-35 program.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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