HONG KONG — The Pentagon is investigating how F-35 fighter jet parts ended up in Hong Kong. The shipment was unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong while en route from Australia to the United States for repair or disposal.

The F-35 Joint Program Office stated it is aware of a shipment issue involving unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components. "We are actively working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to retrieve these components, investigate the incident, and place safeguards to avoid a future occurrence," the office said in a statement. The Office of the Secretary of War is also aware of the shipment issue involving the unserviceable components.

It was reported that the diverted shipment included a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door. It was reported that the shipment included one of the aircraft’s cockpit canopies. The F-35 cockpit canopy is coated with a transparent layer of radar-absorbing material. An intermediary handled the shipment on behalf of Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin stated it complies with all U.S. regulations for the transfer of aircraft components. A Lockheed Martin spokesperson stated the missing components are unserviceable and deemed low risk for exploitation. "Our teams handle each shipment with the utmost care and safeguards to ensure the integrity of the F-35 program and the security of our allies," the spokesperson said.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington stated it was unaware of the incident. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on the incident.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have launched an inquiry into reports that sensitive F-35 fighter jet technology was sent to Hong Kong. The incident prompted briefings for congressional staff on key national security committees in June 2026. More than 1,200 F-35 stealth jets have been produced and 19 countries have placed orders for the planes, according to the Congressional Research Service. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report found that more than one million F-35 spare parts valued at $85 million were unaccounted for in the five years prior to its release.

Why It Matters

The diversion of F-35 components to Hong Kong affects supply chain security for a platform central to U.S. and allied defense. China has maintained control over Hong Kong since the territory was returned from British rule in 1997. The presence of any F-35 parts in the territory is subject to scrutiny given the strategic relationship between the United States and China.

The incident occurs against a backdrop of documented accounting challenges within the F-35 program. The 2023 Government Accountability Office finding that more than one million spare parts valued at $85 million were unaccounted for illustrates the scale of logistics management required for the fleet. With 19 countries having placed orders for the jets, the integrity of the supply chain affects multiple international partners.

Timeline

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged on September 22, 2026, that F-35 jet components ended up in Hong Kong. On the same day, he stated, "My understanding is that there is a sense of comfort, and we’re not talking about sensitive equipment here or sensitive parts. Ultimately, though, this is an issue which is going to be managed by the United States and by Lockheed in terms of what has occurred." Also on September 22, 2026, Australia announced it is reviewing its involvement in the incident at the Australian end. On September 23, 2026, that the diverted shipment included a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door.

What's New

Additional reporting has provided further details on the response and scope of the incident. The F-35 Joint Program Office and the Office of the Secretary of War are aware of a shipment issue involving unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components. Australia is reviewing its involvement in the incident at the Australian end.

Lockheed Martin provided statements regarding its handling of the components. The spokesperson added, "Our teams handle each shipment with the utmost care and safeguards to ensure the integrity of the F-35 program and the security of our allies."