Stealth F-35 Fighter Jet Parts Seized by Chinese Authorities

DID Press: Sensitive and stealth components of the U.S. F-35 fighter jet, which had been sent from Australia to the United States for repair or disposal, came into the possession of Chinese authorities after the shipment was diverted to Hong Kong.

According to Sputnik, the shipment included the F-35’s cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door, both coated with radar-absorbing materials.

The components were supposed to be transported from Australia to the United States, with a stop in South Korea along the way, but were subsequently diverted to Hong Kong. It was reportedly emphasized in an email concerning the shipment that it should not be sent through Hong Kong, but a UPS employee failed to follow the instruction.

Following the seizure of the shipment, the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department launched investigations into the incident. Several members of the U.S. Congress have also called for an examination of the supply chain and the transfer of sensitive military equipment belonging to the United States.