Bloomberg reported on 7/10, citing sources familiar with the matter, that an F-35 stealth fighter cockpit canopy and a weapons bay door were expected to transit through South Korea and Taiwan on their journey from Australia to the US. Due to a delayed departure, these components were mistakenly diverted to Hong Kong in an attempt to expedite delivery.

DSV, representing defense contractor Lockheed Martin, had sent an email to the shipping company UPS. The email served as a reminder to comply with the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), a framework established by Washington to prevent sensitive technology from falling into the hands of adversaries.

An F-35B fighter jet opens its weapons bay in a photo released in 2/2025. War Zone

DSV A/S is a Denmark-based transport and logistics company, while UPS is a US company specializing in multinational package delivery and supply chain management. According to sources, the email explicitly warned UPS "not to ship the consignment to Hong Kong." However, a UPS employee missed this critical email, likely because it was sent through a network different from the system UPS typically uses.

In May, UPS was responsible for transporting the F-35 cockpit canopy and weapons bay door from Australia to the US for inspection, repair, or destruction. The UPS aircraft made a stop in South Korea on its way to the US before being diverted to Hong Kong. Chinese authorities appear to have obtained the shipment, though it remains unclear if they have returned it to the US or Australia.

Spokespeople for DSV and UPS declined to comment on the incident. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35 fighter jet, also refrained from commenting on the information.

The F-35 fighter jet manufacturing line in Fort Worth, Texas, US, in a video released in 12/2021. Motor Network

Diana Maurer, an official with the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), commented on the seriousness of the situation, stating, "China obtaining an F-35 cockpit canopy is concerning; this incident is a serious problem. I believe China has immediately begun researching and seeking ways to counter it with their technical capabilities."

Lockheed Martin stated that it does not unilaterally determine logistics and always selects shipping providers that comply with US government regulations. The corporation affirmed it is working closely with partners to enhance oversight and prevent similar incidents. The Pentagon declared it is not responsible for the incident, asserting the components are no longer usable. The US Department of Defense stated it is coordinating with authorities and defense industry partners to retrieve the shipment, investigate the incident, and establish preventative measures.

Technicians handle an F-35 cockpit canopy at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, US, in 5/2023. USAF

Thomas Newdick and Tyler Rogoway, editors at US military specialized website War Zone, suggest that China could learn more about the material technology and characteristics that contribute to the F-35's stealth capabilities from the components diverted to Hong Kong. The technology for manufacturing stealth aircraft outer coatings is one of the US's most strictly protected material science secrets. This acquisition could help China better understand how to refine materials, coatings, manufacturing processes, and integrate them into a Western fighter jet model, as well as develop countermeasures.

"Direct analysis of the components could provide information difficult to obtain otherwise, as well as offer more precise and detailed data compared to relying solely on technical drawings," Newdick stated.

Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, AP, Politico, Bloomberg)