Story perspectives

Pentagon seeks recovery of China-seized F-35 parts

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 3:23 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Pentagon Seeks F-35 Recovery

The U.S. Department of Defense is trying to recover F-35 parts seized by China.
The seized items are a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door from an Australian F-35.
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are investigating, using secure carriers, but details stay undisclosed.
The House Armed Services Committee is reviewing the case; spokesperson Heather Vaughan noted briefings.
A 2023 GAO report found 1 million missing F-35 parts and $2 trillion program cost.

Summary

China Alleged Cyberattack

The 2013 Defense Science Board report alleged Chinese cyberattacks penetrated F-35 data.
Bradley Bowman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said ongoing upgrades mitigate any stolen secrets.
The F-35 program maintains a U.S.-owned global spare-parts pool for partner nations.
Partner nations accessing the pool include Britain, Australia, Denmark, Norway and Poland.

History

Historical Context

The Joint Strike Fighter program began in 1993, leading Lockheed Martin to develop the F-35 Lightning II, whose three variants shared only about 20 % of parts by 2017. A 2023 GAO audit uncovered more than 1 million missing spare-part items, and China’s seizure of an Australian F-35 canopy underscores supply-chain risks for allies such as the United Kingdom.

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Pentagon Seeks F-35 Recovery

The U.S. Department of Defense is trying to recover F-35 parts seized by China.
The seized items are a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door from an Australian F-35.
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are investigating, using secure carriers, but details stay undisclosed.
The House Armed Services Committee is reviewing the case; spokesperson Heather Vaughan noted briefings.
A 2023 GAO report found 1 million missing F-35 parts and $2 trillion program cost.

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