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.

September 27, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — 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 a news outlet reporting that China has acquired the parts.

The F-35 Joint Program Office confirmed it is aware of a “shipment issue” and is working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to retrieve the components, investigate the incident, and implement safeguards to prevent future occurrences.

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Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the situation but denied that the missing parts were “sensitive equipment.” He emphasized that the issue is being managed by the United States and Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the F-35 program. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry said it was unaware of the incident, and the Hong Kong government declined to comment on specific cases.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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