Sensitive F-35 fighter jet technology was unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong this summer, sparking an inquiry on Capitol Hill and raising the possibility that China could have access to key components of the highly classified weapon system.
A shipment of F-35 parts bound for the United States for repairs was rerouted as it transited the Pacific Ocean from Australia, according to three people familiar with the matter who were granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. The Pentagon confirmed the disappearance of some components.
The parts, which an intermediary was transporting on behalf of F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin, instead wound up in Hong Kong. It’s not clear why the equipment was rerouted or who has possession of it now.
The incident, which has not been previously reported, triggered an ongoing series of briefings for congressional staff on key national security committees. State Department and Pentagon officials first briefed staff in June, according to the people, and multiple additional briefings are expected in the coming weeks.
The shipment included one of the jet’s canopies, which covers the cockpit and contains stealth technology that only the U.S. and its allies have access to, according to two of the people. An adversary could study the parts and potentially reverse-engineer the prized technology if it had one of the canopies.
Somebody out there has a life sentence in their future.
I hate commie zipperheads.
My surprise that this has come about, is that the tech didn’t arrive in Hong Kong from Canada in the next few years…
Sorry about the link glitch, fixed now.
I don’t think someone will be making it to jail…
HA HA HAAAA!!! ah ya still at it the beijing crew stealing more technology eh?
our new ‘strategic partner’ according to some real daehtihs this side of the border. who was that now?
“Accidentally” put it on the wrong plane?
Yeah, i don’t buy it either.
Factual or psyop?????
Factual or psyop?????
I heard you the first time.
This is GREAT! I mean, now we can rebuild our complete Airforce “on the cheap!!!” With cutting edge US technology and quality chirese construction. We can’t lose!!
What an opportunity we now have to get the best for the least and be competitive on the world scale, replacing those aged CF-18s, even though we have become rather fond of them. They are family now having been with us since the mid ’80s, maintained by the frogs after moving the contract out of Manitoba.
Celebration time!!!