After Mysterious Change in Shipment Route, Sensitive F-35 Parts in China's Hands

China has taken control of what may be sensitive parts from an Australian F-35 stealth fighter, following an unexplained change in the shipment’s route from Australia to the United States to Hong Kong, according to Bloomberg on Wednesday, citing informed sources.

The sources said that UPS was transporting the cockpit canopy and weapons bay door of an Australian F-35 to the United States in late May for inspection, possibly repair or disposal.

Two sources stated that the two components, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, are coated with radar-absorbing material that enhances the fighter’s stealth capabilities.

The level of technical sensitivity of information that could be gleaned from the components remains unclear.

Pentagon Investigating

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) confirmed it is working to recover the components and investigate the incident.

In a statement, the Pentagon said officials are “aware of an issue involving a shipment containing non-operational components for F-35 fighters.”

It added: “We are working with U.S. authorities and our private sector partners to recover these components, investigate the incident, and implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence in the future.”

The shipment stopped in South Korea during its journey to the United States before being rerouted to Hong Kong, according to sources.

It remains unclear why the shipment stopped in South Korea or was redirected to Hong Kong, nor is it known whether the route change was intentional or accidental.

Two sources said Chinese authorities later took possession of the components and have not yet returned them.