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Pentagon investigates diversion of Australian F-35 parts to Hong Kong

The Pentagon, Australian authorities and Lockheed Martin are investigating how F-35A components shipped from Australia to the United States for repair or disposal were redirected to Hong Kong, with some parts unaccounted for. Reports that China obtained critical components have raised concerns, although Australia says the items were not sensitive.

Discovered 2026-09-24T12:50:56.071522-07:00 | 2026-09-24T12:50:56.071522-07:00

Briefing

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The incident raises a supply-chain and custody question for F-35 components moving across international borders, involving the United States, Australia, Hong Kong and China.
Reports that Chinese authorities obtained some components have prompted a Pentagon inquiry, while Australia says the parts were not sensitive and media reports describe at least some as unserviceable.
The investigation will clarify whether export-control, logistics-screening or technology-protection processes failed during transport for repair or disposal.

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