US Congress investigates diversion of sensitive F-35 parts to Hong Kong: report

The United States Congress is investigating allegations that sensitive F-35 fighter jet parts were diverted to Hong Kong, according to a report by Politico. The shipment, which originated from Australia and was intended for repairs in the United States, unexpectedly went missing en route to Hong Kong. The city's authorities have declined to comment on the case.

A spokesperson for Hong Kong government confirmed it would not comment on individual cases. The Pentagon's F-35 Joint Program Office acknowledged being aware of the shipment issue, stating it was working with US authorities and industry partners to retrieve the components and prevent future occurrences. The State Department also declined to comment on Politico's inquiry.

The incident, reported to have involved a canopy containing stealth technology, has raised concerns about potential reverse engineering. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, manages the program's supply chain and operates commercial shipping providers. The company stated it follows all US regulations for shipping aircraft components and prioritizes the integrity of the F-35 programme and the security of allied partners.

In 2023, a Government Accountability Office report found that over 1 million F-35 spare parts had gone missing in the previous five years, with the department unable to review certain losses due to Lockheed Martin's control over the information.