US Congress probes whether F-35 stealth jet parts were diverted to China via Hong Kong

According to Politico investigations, the US Congress is examining whether parts of the advanced F-35 fighter jet have fallen into Chinese hands.

September 19, 2026 | 2:38 PM

Germany has just received its first F-35 type fighter aircraft. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

afp — Secret technology from the advanced US stealth jet F-35 may have fallen into Chinese hands, according to media reports. The platform Politico reported on Friday that a shipment containing parts of the aircraft, including the cockpit canopy with stealth technology, was diverted from Australia to the United States via Hong Kong and has been considered missing since then.

The F-35 stealth jet is considered the world's most modern fighter aircraft. Only on Friday did Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) receive the first jet for the Bundeswehr.

Investigation Underway

According to the report, the F-35 parts were supposed to be shipped to the USA for repair purposes. Why the shipment was diverted to the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong and where it is currently located remains unclear. An investigation has reportedly been launched in the US Congress regarding this matter.

Manufacturer Lockheed Martin declined to comment, citing security reasons. A company spokesperson stated that Lockheed Martin complies with all US Department of Defense regulations concerning the transport of aircraft parts. "Our teams handle every shipment with the utmost care and in compliance with all security precautions to ensure the F-35 program and the safety of our allies."

Germany Among Buyers

Due to their special shape and exterior coating, F-35 aircraft are difficult to detect by enemy radar. They fly at 1.6 times the speed of sound and can carry more than eight tons of weapons, including nuclear weapons. Infrared cameras on the outer hull capture the surroundings during flight and transmit the images directly to the pilot's helmet, providing a 360-degree view.

The jets are immensely expensive both in acquisition and maintenance. The pure production costs for one machine alone range between $82.5 million and $109 million ($71.5 million to $95 million euros), depending on the model.

Nevertheless, according to Lockheed Martin, 19 countries besides the US armed forces have already ordered the fighter aircraft. These include, among others:

• Great Britain
• Israel
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland

Germany plans to acquire up to 35 machines intended to replace the Bundeswehr's old Tornado jets.