F-35 parts shipment diverted
The gist
F-35 parts shipped from Australia were diverted to Hong Kong and China took possession.
The incident prompted a Pentagon probe and a congressional inquiry into the security lapse.
How it unfolded
- late May 2026UPS was shipping a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door from an Australian military F-35 to the US for inspection and possible repair or disposal when the shipment was diverted to Hong Kong.
- Jun 2026US State Department and Pentagon officials first briefed congressional staff, according to sources.
- Sep 18, 2026Politico reported the diversion, citing three people familiar with the matter, and said the shipment included an F-35 canopy.