Pentagon probing how shipment of F-35 fighter jet parts was diverted

September 24, 2026 / 5:30 PM EDT / CBS News

The Pentagon is investigating how a shipment of F-35 fighter jet parts on its way to the U.S. from overseas was diverted, and the military is now trying to retrieve the parts, a defense official confirmed to CBS News.

A source briefed on the incident told CBS News a shipment was diverted to Hong Kong. According to Bloomberg News, the parts are now in China's hands, although the Pentagon declined to confirm this.

A defense official said in a statement, "The F-35 Joint Program Office and Department of War are aware of a shipment issue of unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components." The parts were in transit to the U.S. from Australia either for replacement or repair when they were diverted.

"We are actively working with U.S. authorities and industry partners to retrieve these components, investigate the incident, and place safeguards to avoid a future occurrence," the defense official said.

The F-35A Lightning II is the newest version of the plane and the most advanced fighter jet in the military's arsenal. It travels up to 1,200 miles per hour and can carry a payload of 18,000 pounds.

The missing parts are…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/