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.
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.
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)
