Pentagon investigates after China obtains parts from F-35 stealth fighter jet

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Pentagon is investigating how parts of the nation's most advanced fighter jet concluded up in Hong Kong, with a news outlet reporting Wednesday that China has obtained the F-35 equipment.

Key points

• The F-35 Joint Program Office remarked in an official note that it and the Defense Department are aware of "a shipment issue" with F-35 components.
• Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged that the jet components concluded up in Hong Kong when responding to questions from reporters Tuesday.
• Authorities and industry partners to retrieve these components, investigate the incident, and place safeguards to avoid a future occurrence, the office remarked.
• Australia is one of a number of nations whose militaries operate the stealth fighter jet.

Meanwhile, the F-35 Joint Program Office remarked in an official note that it and the Defense Department are aware of "a shipment issue" with F-35 components.

"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 office remarked.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged that the jet components concluded up in Hong Kong when responding to questions from reporters Tuesday. But he denied that the missing parts were "sensitive equipment."

For now, pentagon investigates after China obtains parts from F remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.