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Missing F-35 Components Diverted to Hong Kong Trigger Australia-U.S. Probe
By Drooid · · How we work
Misrouted Parts and Initial Discovery
Australia is assisting the United States in investigating a shipment of unserviceable F-35 components that was mistakenly rerouted to Hong Kong earlier this year. The parts, shipped by a third-party logistics firm on behalf of Lockheed Martin, have remained unaccounted for for several months. Defense Minister Richard Marles said the components are “not sensitive,” but declined to explain that assessment, directing further questions to U.S. authorities and the manufacturer.
How the Diversion Occurred
The shipment originated in Australia and was intended for a U.S. repair facility. During transit, the cargo was incorrectly redirected to Hong Kong, where it was never recovered. The Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office confirmed a “shipment issue” and is working with U.S. officials, Lockheed Martin, and Australian partners to determine the cause of the routing error.
Scale of Inventory Issues in the F-35 Program
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released in May 2023 documented that the F-35 program’s prime contractors had lost more than 1 million spare parts valued at over $85 million since May 2018. The GAO also noted that the military lacks a comprehensive system for tracking the location, quantity, and cost of parts held in the contractor-managed global pool. The Joint Program Office had reviewed fewer than 2 % of those loss cases.
Official Responses
The Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office said it is coordinating with U.S. authorities and industry partners to recover the missing items. Congressional staff on the House Armed Services Committee began receiving briefings on the matter in June, and the committee is now examining the case. Australian officials emphasized cooperation with the United States and Lockheed Martin while reiterating that the missing components are not classified.
Implications for the Global Supply Chain
The incident highlights vulnerabilities in the sprawling, multinational supply chain that supports the F-35, the Pentagon’s largest weapons program. Repeated inventory shortfalls and tracking deficiencies have contributed to broader challenges, including cost growth, maintenance backlogs, and difficulties meeting readiness targets. The ongoing investigation may prompt tighter oversight and improved tracking mechanisms across the contractor-managed parts network.