Military Watch Magazine

World’s Largest Fighter Program Suffers Major Setback as China Obtains Key F-35 Stealth Airframe Parts for Study

The Chinese government has taken possession of sensitive components from a Royal Australian Air Force F-35A fighter after a shipment carrying the parts was unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong, according to sources familiar with the incident cited by Bloomberg. The components, which include an F-35 cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door, were being transported from Australia to the United States for inspection and possible repair or disposal when they were diverted in late May. The shipment was being transported by UPS on behalf of Lockheed Martin, with the reasons for the diversion remaining uncertain.