F-35 fighter jet spare parts were reportedly diverted to Hong Kong from Australia, sparking inquiries on Capitol Hill and in the Australian Department of Defence over China’s possible access to classified material. First reported by Audrey Decker and Mark Satter at Politico on Sept. 18, 2026, a number of anonymous sources close to the matter […]
The Aviationist•James Gray18h ago
After parts reportedly made their way to Hong Kong, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson told Breaking Defense that the missing components “are unserviceable and deemed low risk for exploitation.”
Breaking Defense•Michael Marrow20h ago
Defense Minister Richard Marles plays down security concerns but does not dispute report that shipment included a stealth fighter cockpit canopy
Air Data News•Ricardo Meier23h ago
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said on September 22, 2026, that F-35 components diverted…
AeroTime•Clement Charpentreau22 Sept
Disappearance of jet components sparks concern some of the program’s technology secrets could have been exposed Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Richard Marles says the Department of Defence is examining how F-35 fighter jet parts bound for the US from Australia were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong. The acting prime minister said “very much everything that has occurred at the Australian end” will be reviewed, however, he claimed the technology parts were not “sensitive”, as first reported by Politico over the weekend . Continue reading...
The Guardian•Sarah Basford Canales22 SeptAviation News – Lockheed Martin’s advanced tactical environment simulation successfully linked 16 F-35 full mission simulators across four military bases during a high-stakes, two-hour multidomain...
The incident highlights the critical need for secure military logistics and could influence regional security dynamics and U.S.-China relations.
CryptoBriefing•Estefano Gomez21 Sept
One of the three Finnish Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighters assigned to the type’s first delivery flight…
AeroTime•Clement Charpentreau21 Sept
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a pair of contract modifications by the US Navy, collectively valued at nearly $948m, to enhance support for F-35 Lightning II operational sites and advance the Trident II (D5) Life Extension programme.
Naval Technology•Jangoulun Singsit21 Sept
Lockheed Martin has presented Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft to the German government at a ceremony at the company’s F-35 production facility, marking a milestone in Germany’s acquisition of the aircraft and its integration into NATO operations. Senior German and U.S. government and military officials attended the ceremony alongside Lockheed Martin employees and […]
AviTrader•Heike Tamm21 Sept
Finland’s first two domestically based F-35A Lightning II fighters landed at Rovaniemi on 18 September 2026, marking an important stage in the country’s transition from the F/A-18 Hornet. Aircraft JF-510 and JF-512 reached the Lapland Air Wing after a three-day delivery flight from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility, including a stop at Lajes Air Base […]
Aviation24.be•André Orban20 Sept
JF-510 and JF-512 landed at Rovaniemi on September 18, while Finland’s first eight aircraft remain in the US for training
Air Data News•Ricardo Meier20 SeptThe incident raises the possibility that top secret weapons technology may have been exposed to a foreign adversary — including China.
U.S. lawmakers and the Pentagon are investigating how sensitive F-35 components bound from Australia to the United States for repair were diverted to Hong Kong and are now unaccounted for.
FreightWaves•Stuart Chirls18 Sept
German defense minister Boris Pistorius called the F-35 “a promise that Germany will step up to defend itself and defend its allies.”
Breaking Defense•Aaron Mehta18 Sept
Deliveries are starting for Germany's new F-35 fighter jets, but the debate continues in Berlin about future capabilities.
The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia, the State Department said Thursday, the kingdom's latest major arms purchase since the start of the Iran war. Saudi Arabia has been repeatedly targeted with drone and missile strikes by Tehran's forces since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran in February, and has also been hit by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Riyadh could become the first Arab operator of Lockheed Martin’s stealth fighter, but the deal still faces congressional review
Air Data News•Ricardo Meier18 Sept
The United States on Thursday said it had approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia. Israel has previously voiced concerns about Riyadh buying F-35s, despite a push to normalise relations.
U.S. intelligence agencies have warned in internal reports that China could acquire or steal U.S. warplane technology if F-35 jets are sent to Saudi Arabia.
The New York Times•Edward Wong18 Sept