US Working to Retrieve Missing F-35 Stealth Fighter Parts Reportedly Diverted to Hong Kong

U.S. officials are investigating after a shipment of F-35 stealth fighter parts was diverted, potentially to the Chinese territory of Hong Kong.

Politico first reported on Sept. 18 that a shipment of F-35 Lightning II fighter jet components was being shipped from Australia to the United States for repairs when the parts were somehow misplaced.

Citing three anonymous sources familiar with the matter, Politico reported the F-35 parts were instead diverted to Hong Kong.

If the F-35 parts were indeed diverted to a Chinese territory, it raises the risk that Chinese authorities could have gleaned sensitive details about the fighter jet.

“The F-35 Joint Program Office and Office of the Secretary of War are aware of a shipment issue of unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components,” the F-35 Program Office told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement on Friday.

“We are actively working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to retrieve these components, investigate the incident, and place safeguards to avoid a future occurrence.”

The F-35 Program Office did not provide any additional details about misplaced parts or where investigators believe they may have been sent.

The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to further requests for comment on the matter.

This is a developing story that will be updated.