Engine component is discovered to have been made in China.
The Pentagon has stopped the delivery of F-35 aircraft from Lockheed Martin Corp. after the manufacturer discovered a metal component used in the fighter jet’s engine is coming from China. The presence of the alloy violates federal defense acquisition rules. However, the Pentagon says the magnet containing the alloy posed no security issue.
“We have confirmed that the magnet does not transmit information or harm the integrity of the aircraft and there are no performance, quality, safety, or security risks associated with this issue, and flight operations for the F-35 service fleet will continue as normal,” a Defense Department spokesperson said.
The Pentagon said that Lockheed Martin has already found an alternative source for the alloy for future deliveries, which means the current stoppage will likely be temporary. Lockheed Martin is scheduled to supply as many as 153 F-35s this year and has so far delivered 88.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Secretary Austin and the Joint Chiefs as they seek to prevent foreign espionage via military components.
- For U.S. military officials to be discerning as they assess the acquisition of parts by military equipment manufacturers.
- For the president and his military advisors as they respond to threats posed by China.
Sources: CNN, Just The News
