The Chinese government has taken possession of a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door from an Australian military F-35 fighter jet. The parts, coated with sensitive radar-absorbing stealth material, were inexplicably diverted to Hong Kong by UPS in late May 2026. The Pentagon is actively working to retrieve the components, while U.S. congressional committees have launched investigations. The incident coincides with a sensitive state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States.
Stealth Technology of the F-35 Parts
- ▪The F-35 fighter jet incorporates fifth-generation technologies including stealth coatings, advanced radar, and sophisticated sensor systems, according to the Congressional Research Service
- ▪The F-35 cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door diverted to Hong Kong from Australia, supplied by Lockheed Martin, were coated with radar-absorbing material that enhances their stealth capabilities
U.S. Investigation and Recovery Efforts
- ▪The Pentagon and the F-35 Joint Program Office stated they are actively working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to retrieve the F-35 components diverted to Hong Kong and investigate the diversion
- ▪At least two U.S. congressional committees, including the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees, are investigating how the F-35 parts diverted to Hong Kong fell into Chinese hands
Carrier selection and disclosure
- ▪Lockheed Martin stated that the U.S. Department of Defense picked the transportation options for the F-35 shipment, and Lockheed Martin selected UPS as the carrier that aligned with those parameters
- ▪UPS disclosed the F-35 shipment diversion to Hong Kong to the U.S. State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls out of an abundance of caution
Political reactions to visit
- ▪Disclosure of the F-35 parts diversion to Hong Kong from Australia coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in the United States on September 23, 2026, for a state visit hosted by President Donald Trump
- ▪U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized hosting a state visit for Chinese President Xi Jinping, hosted by President Donald Trump, while China held sensitive American military technology
Chinese and Hong Kong responses
- ▪The Hong Kong government declined to comment on the specific case of the F-35 components ending up in Hong Kong
- ▪A Chinese embassy spokesman declined immediate comment on the diversion of F-35 parts from Australia to Hong Kong on September 24, 2026, while China's Foreign Ministry stated it was not aware of the diversion
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