35 jet parts went missing in Hong Kong, sparking China security fears

Parts of an F-35 aircraft went missing in Hong Kong after being shipped from Australia. ( Supplied: ADF )

A shipment of F-35 jet parts were unexpectedly sent to Hong Kong after leaving Australia earlier this year.

That sparked concerns that China might have accessed technological secrets from the US jet fighter program.

Defence Minister Richard Marles played down the significance of the apparent security breach and said the US and Lockheed Martin were investigating.

Link copied Share Share article Defence Minister Richard Marles has confirmed Australia is helping the US investigate how F-35 jet fighter parts were mistakenly diverted to Hong Kong, but says no technologically "sensitive" components have been lost.

Politico reported over the weekend that a shipment of F-35 parts, including a canopy with radar-resistant technology, were unexpectedly sent to Hong Kong after leaving Australia earlier this year.