LMT · News · 20260923N

F-35 Export Controls

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP · 2026-09-23 · Importance 35 · Surprise 42

Bloomberg reported that Chinese authorities reportedly obtained F-35 components in Hong Kong after a shipment from Australia to the United States was diverted in late May. The reported shipment included a cockpit canopy and weapons bay door for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter. Washington restricts F-35 sales to close partners and allies, raising export-control and technology-security concerns, although the digest provides no quantified financial impact.

Key facts

• Bloomberg reported that UPS was sending a cockpit canopy and weapons bay door to the U.S. from Australia in late May when the shipment was diverted, and those are F-35 components. source
• Bloomberg reported that Chinese authorities were reportedly in possession of F-35 components in Hong Kong. source
• The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter made by Lockheed Martin. source