- Australia has confirmed that F-35 spare parts were diverted to Hong Kong, prompting investigations by both the US and Australian governments into potential access by China to sensitive technology.
- On September 22, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the diversion and stated that Australia was assisting in the investigation.
- A Department of Defense spokesperson informed CNN that the F-35 Joint Program Office was aware of the shipment issue and was working to retrieve the components.
- Marles indicated that Australia was examining everything at the Australian end and that the matter would ultimately be managed by the United States and Lockheed Martin.
- The shipment included an F-35 canopy, which is significant due to its radar-absorbent material that contributes to the aircraft's stealth capabilities.
- The F-35 canopy is not just a piece of acrylic; it carries a thin coating of transparent radar-absorbent material that enhances the aircraft's low-observable performance.
- The Pentagon has revealed that several of the diverted spares are missing, and it remains unclear why they were sent to Hong Kong or who currently possesses them.
- Concerns have been raised regarding China's access to these materials, which could pose a significant national security risk to the US and its allies.
- A US Air Force report indicated that Beijing has been tracking American stealth technology advancements while enhancing its own capabilities.
Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles confirmed on September 22, 2026, that unserviceable F-35 parts, including a canopy, were diverted to Hong Kong, raising concerns about potential security risks.124
The shipment, initially intended for the U.S., was reported by Politico, which cited anonymous sources indicating that an intermediary company, contracted by Lockheed Martin, rerouted the components.
A Department of Defense spokesperson stated that the F-35 Joint Program Office is aware of the issue and is collaborating with U.S. authorities to retrieve the components and investigate the incident.3
Marles reassured the public, saying, “My understanding is that there is a sense of comfort, that we’re not talking about sensitive equipment here, or sensitive parts.” He emphasized that Australia is examining the situation closely and is working with the U.S. and Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor responsible for the global supply chain.
The Pentagon has confirmed that some of the missing components are unserviceable and were likely meant for repair or disposal. The F-35 canopy, which features radar-absorbent material crucial for stealth, is among the diverted parts.67
Concerns have been raised regarding China's potential access to these materials, which could enhance their military capabilities. A 2023 report indicated that over one million F-35 components have gone missing in the past five years, highlighting issues in Lockheed Martin's management of spare parts.
The investigation continues as the identity of the contractor responsible for the diversion remains undisclosed.
“The shipment included an F-35 canopy coated with radar-absorbent material, which could help China refine stealth countermeasures. A 2023 GAO report found roughly a million spare parts worth about $85 million had been lost, with only 2% of losses reviewed since 2018.”
MiGFlug
The Aviationist
