Republican senators demand answers over F-35 parts reaching China
Senators Deb Fischer and Rick Scott expressed alarm after sensitive F-35 components, including a canopy with stealth technology, were diverted to Hong Kong and ended up in Chinese hands. The Pentagon's F-35 program office acknowledged the shipment issue and said it is working to retrieve the parts and investigate. Lawmakers are seeking briefings as the incident coincides with Chinese President Xi Jinping's U.S. visit.
The diverted shipment originated in Australia and included an F-35 canopy equipped with stealth technology, along with a weapons-bay door. Transported by UPS, the package reached Hong Kong this summer before coming into Chinese possession. The F-35 Joint Program Office described the parts as "unserviceable" and stated it is coordinating with U.S. authorities and industry partners to recover the components and prevent similar incidents.
Lawmakers across both parties have pressed for briefings. Sen. Deb Fischer and Sen. Rick Scott, both on the Senate Armed Services Committee, voiced alarm, while Sen. Mark Warner requested a full administration briefing. Rep. Patt Harrigan warned that supply chain failures undermine efforts to protect advanced military technology. The disclosure surfaced as Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Washington.
This incident could heighten public concern about the integrity of U.S. defense supply chains and the security of sensitive military technology. If Chinese analysts gain insights from the recovered components, it may accelerate their efforts to counter stealth capabilities, potentially affecting future U.S. military operations and deterrence posture. The timing alongside Xi's visit may also influence diplomatic perceptions, though the practical impact remains uncertain pending the Pentagon's investigation.