US-made F-35 parts mistakenly sent to China

US-made F-35 fighter jet parts were mistakenly routed through Hong Kong and ended up in Chinese hands after a logistics error, prompting a US investigation.

The shipment, sent from Australia to the US for inspection, included an F-35 cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door, both featuring radar-absorbing material linked to the aircraft’s stealth capabilities.

Reports said a UPS employee missed a warning that the shipment was subject to US export controls, allowing it to be diverted through Hong Kong. Chinese authorities subsequently took possession of the parts.