- Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that UPS was sending an F-35 cockpit canopy and weapons bay door from Australia to the U.S. in late May when it was diverted to Hong Kong.
- Both parts were coated with radar absorbing material that enhances stealth capabilities, according to the sources.
- Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said Australia is working with the U.S. and Lockheed Martin on the investigation, and that no sensitive parts were in the missing shipment.
- The F-35 is made by Lockheed Martin, and Washington controls sales only to closest partners and allies. A $24 billion sale to Saudi Arabia was approved last week, with lawmakers raising concerns about technology reaching China.
- China has targeted F-35-related U.S. military data in past espionage cases, according to U.S. prosecutors in 2024.
Quotes
“shipping giant UPS was sending a cockpit canopy and weapons bay door to the U.S. from Australia in late May when it was diverted”
“it was his understanding that no sensitive parts were in the missing shipment”
“could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party”