Pentagon investigates after China obtains parts from F-35 stealth fighter jet
- The Pentagon is investigating how components for the F-35 stealth fighter ended up in Hong Kong, with officials working to retrieve the parts after reports that China obtained the equipment.
- Bloomberg reported Wednesday that the parts—a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door—were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong months ago while in transit from Australia to the United States for repair or disposal.
- Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated Tuesday that his government is working with the United States and Lockheed Martin, adding he has a "sense of comfort" because the items are not sensitive equipment.
- Politico reported that the incident prompted a congressional inquiry over concerns that China could access key technology components, as Beijing maintains tight control over the territory where the shipment arrived.
- Since the program began about 20 years ago, more than 1,200 F-35s have been manufactured for 19 countries. Bradley Bowman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies noted American systems are constantly improved to counteract potential intelligence leaks.
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Pentagon investigating how parts of F-35 stealth fighter jet arrived in Hong Kong instead of U.S.
The Defense Department is investigating how a shipment of parts for its most advanced fighter jet reportedly ended up in Chinese custody after being mistakenly delivered to Hong Kong.
The big F-35 jet mystery: Parts bound for US, missing in Hong Kong, seized by China
Sensitive parts of a US F-35 stealth fighter jet, bound for Washington from Australia, mysteriously landed in Hong Kong. The parts have now been seized by China - a major US military rival. Why is it a concern for the US?
Potentially sensitive F-35 fighter jet components have reached the Chinese regime after a shipment en route from Australia to the US was diverted to Hong Kong. Congress has launched an investigation into the circumstances, due to concerns that the classified technology could fall into the hands of the Chinese.
HONG KONG. Donald Trump poses with pomp and swagger as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives for summit in Washington. But the meeting is also overshadowed by a major embarrassment -- parts for an F-35 plane have accidentally ended up in China's hands, and Beijing refuses to send them back.
Missing F-35 fighter jet parts mistakenly diverted to Hong Kong
By Alex Stambaugh, Hilary Whiteman, Ivan Watson, Brad Lendon, CNN (CNN) — Australia’s defense minister said Tuesday that F-35 fighter jet parts had been mistakenly diverted to Hong Kong, following reports US lawmakers were investigating the mishap amid concerns about the possibility of China getting access to sensitive US military technology. “We’ve been made aware of this, and we’re obviously working with the United States and Lockheed in terms…
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