Australia investigating how F-35 fighter jet parts bound for US went missing in Hong Kong
Australia is investigating the disappearance of F-35 fighter jet parts that were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong while bound for the United States. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that the components are not sensitive, though the incident has raised concerns about potential exposure of stealth technology. The missing shipment, which remains unaccounted for months later, has prompted scrutiny of the supply chain and raised questions about the security of the broader F-35 program.
- ▪Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the Department of Defence is reviewing how F-35 parts bound for the US were diverted to Hong Kong.
- ▪The parts, reportedly including a canopy with stealth technology, were being transported by a third party on behalf of Lockheed Martin and remain missing.
- ▪Security experts warn that the incident could allow adversaries to reverse-engineer the technology or identify vulnerabilities in the aircraft.
- ▪Australia is a key development partner in the F-35 program, with over 700 critical pieces manufactured in Victoria and contracts valued at over $5.2 billion.
- ▪The US State Department recently approved the sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia despite intelligence concerns about potential Chinese access to stealth technology.
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| Original publisher | World news | The Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/22/australia-investigating-how-f-35-fighter-jet-parts-bound-for-us-went-missing-in-hong-kong |
| Publication time | Tue, 22 Sep 2026 07:36:25 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-22T07:43:50.068Z |
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Containers at the terminals at the port in Kwai Chung in Hong Kong, China. F-35 parts found for the US remain unaccounted for months later following their unplanned diversion to Hong Kong. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/ReutersView image in fullscreenContainers at the terminals at the port in Kwai Chung in Hong Kong, China. F-35 parts found for the US remain unaccounted for months later following their unplanned diversion to Hong Kong. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/ReutersArms tradeAustralia investigating how F-35 fighter jet parts bound for US went missing in Hong KongDisappearance of jet components sparks concern some of the program’s technology secrets could have been exposed Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Sarah…
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