GoKawiilF-35 stealth parts diverted to Hong Kong during UPS shipment, Bloomberg reports
A UPS shipment carrying an F-35 cockpit canopy and weapons bay door, both coated in radar-absorbing material, was rerouted from Australia to Hong Kong in late May instead of reaching the U.S., Bloomberg reported citing sources. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed Canberra is aware of the incident and is working with the U.S. and Lockheed Martin to investigate, though he said no sensitive parts were believed to be in the shipment. Lockheed Martin, UPS and the Pentagon have not commented.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The episode raises questions about the security of global supply chains for sensitive military hardware, especially given China's past efforts to obtain F-35 technology through espionage, according to U.S. prosecutors in 2024. It also comes as lawmakers scrutinize a newly approved $24 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi warning the deal could expose sensitive technology to adversaries — suggesting this incident could intensify congressional oversight of F-35 export and logistics controls.
- F-35 stealth parts were diverted to Hong Kong during a UPS shipment from Australia in May
- Australia, the U.S. and Lockheed Martin are jointly investigating the diversion
- The incident surfaces amid broader concerns over Chinese access to F-35 technology, including a contested $24 billion Saudi sale
Source: cnbc.com — Lim Hui Jie, 2026-09-24
Published there as: “Chinese authorities reportedly in possession of F-35 components in Hong Kong”
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