Washington: Sensitive F-35 fighter jet technology was unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong this summer, prompting a congressional inquiry and concerns that China could gain access to components of the highly classified weapons system, Politico reported Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, a shipment of F-35 parts being sent from Australia to the US for repairs was rerouted while crossing the Pacific. The Pentagon reportedly confirmed that some components had gone missing. Anadolu separately contacted the Pentagon seeking confirmation and further details about the incident but had not received a response at the time of publication.

The report further stated that the parts were being transported by an intermediary for F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin but ultimately arrived in Hong Kong. It remains unclear why they were diverted or who currently possesses them. The incident has prompted ongoing briefings for congressional staff serving on key national security committees. State Department and Pentagon officials began briefing staff in June, with further briefings expected.

Among the shipment's contents was an F-35 canopy, which covers the cockpit and incorporates stealth technology available only to the US and its allies. If obtained by an adversary, the components could potentially be studied and reverse-engineered.

The Pentagon's F-35 Joint Program Office stated that it was 'aware of a shipment issue of unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components.' The office mentioned that it is working with US authorities and industry partners 'to retrieve these components, investigate the incident, and place safeguards to avoid a future occurrence.'

Because Hong Kong is a Chinese special administrative region, the diversion potentially placed the equipment within Beijing's sphere of influence, according to the report. China has also conducted espionage targeting classified Pentagon programs, including the F-35.

J.J. Gertler, a former House Armed Services Committee staff member, was quoted in the report, stating, 'It's no secret that China has been aggressively trying to get F-35 data through electronic espionage, among other means. But even if they already had specifications or other data about the part, possessing a real one can give them even more to go on and can verify or refine whatever they already had learned.'

Source: Anadolu Agency