A batch of F-35 fighter jet components originally intended to be shipped from Australia to the United States ended up being accidentally rerouted to Hong Kong and detained by the Chinese government. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that an employee of United Parcel Service (UPS) overlooked an email warning, leading to this outcome.
According to reports, freight forwarding company DSV issued a warning in the email stating that due to restrictions under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), these parts were not supposed to pass through certain jurisdictions. The ITAR specifically controls the export and transfer of U.S. defense items and technology to prevent sensitive weapon technology from falling into the wrong hands.
An insider informed Bloomberg that the UPS employee responsible for handling the shipment missed the warning message. The individual refused to disclose their identity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The stealth fighter jet components were originally planned to be transported to San Francisco in the United States for maintenance or disposal through South Korea and Taiwan, both being defense partners of the United States. However, the shipment was delayed when leaving Australia, and in a bid to expedite delivery speed, it was mistakenly rerouted through Hong Kong, ultimately falling under Chinese jurisdiction. Washington has long recognized that Hong Kong is no longer treated differently from mainland China.
According to sources, DSV representatives for F-35 jet developer Lockheed Martin sent out the warning email, which also included the ITAR marking, a requirement under U.S. regulations. However, the digital platform used for sending this email by DSV may have been different from the system used by UPS agents handling the shipment.
On September 29, Pentagon officials held a meeting with staff from the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Armed Services Committee to outline the details of the rerouted shipment. The latest disclosed details further revealed the ins and outs of the incident, sparking widespread attention.
Both DSV and UPS spokespersons declined to comment on the matter.
The F-35 is the world’s most advanced fighter jet and the costliest weapons project in U.S. history. The jet’s components are coated with radar-absorbing material to enhance stealth capabilities. Over the years, the Chinese Communist Party has viewed this aircraft as a target for espionage activities.