F-35 fighter parts with stealth coating misdirected to Hong Kong from Australia
F-35 fighter jet parts bound for US repair were mistakenly sent to Hong Kong, triggering a joint investigation.
A shipment of F-35 fighter jet parts from Australia was accidentally diverted to Hong Kong. The shipment included a canopy coated with radar-absorbent material.
The shipment was meant to go to the United States for repairs. French-owned logistics company CEVA Logistics, handling the shipment for Lockheed Martin, routed the parts to the Chinese territory by mistake.
US authorities learned of the issue in June. The F-35 canopy is a critical component.
Its radar-absorbent coating is sensitive and degrades over time. It requires expert repair.
Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed Australia is investigating what happened at the Australian end. Australia is assisting US authorities in retrieving the parts.
He said the technology involved is not sensitive. But defence industry figures and briefings to US congressional security committees suggest significant concern.
China potentially accessing stealth capabilities would be serious.
- CEVA Logistics
- Logistics company
- Lockheed Martin
- Aircraft manufacturer
- Hong Kong
- Destination of error
- June
- Discovery month
Why it mattersIf advanced fighter jet technology reaches Chinese hands, it could undermine Australia and allied military advantage in the Indo-Pacific region.
AustraliaAustralia faces a potential national security breach involving its own supply chain for one of its most advanced defence assets, and is now tightening controls on F-35 shipments.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
