Pentagon investigates diversion of F-35 parts shipment

Shipment diverted

The Pentagon is investigating the diversion of a shipment containing unserviceable components for the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, CBS News reported. The parts were traveling from Australia to the United States for repair or replacement when the shipment was redirected.

A person briefed on the incident told CBS News that the shipment went to Hong Kong. Bloomberg News reported that the parts are now in China’s possession, but the Pentagon has not confirmed that account.

The F-35 Joint Program Office and the Pentagon are working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to recover the components. The investigation is also examining how the diversion occurred and what safeguards could prevent a similar incident.

What the components may reveal

The missing parts are reported to be associated with the aircraft’s canopy and weapons bay door. If that description is accurate, the components do not contain the advanced avionics carried elsewhere in the aircraft.

The parts could still reveal information related to the F-35’s stealth design. The canopy is coated with radar-absorbing material that helps reduce the aircraft’s visibility to enemy radar.

The F-35A is the newest version of the aircraft and the most advanced fighter jet in the U.S. military’s arsenal. It can travel as fast as 1,200 miles per hour and carry up to 18,000 pounds.

Recovery effort

The Pentagon has not confirmed the shipment’s current location or said when the parts could be recovered. Its response now centers on locating the components, establishing how the shipment was rerouted and tightening controls over future transfers of F-35 equipment.