Pentagon halts acceptance of new F-35 jets after Chinese-made engine parts found

The US Pentagon has suspended acceptance of new F-35 fighter jets after it was found that an unauthorized Chinese component was used in the magnetos of the stealth fighter’s engine.

Aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin has discovered that a component used in a jet engine was made in China, the Defense Ministry and the company confirmed on September 7.

The Defense Contract Management Agency noted on Aug 19 that the alloy used in the magnets in the F-35’s turbo pumps was made in China, agency spokesman Rachel Gomery told The Hill in an Aug. 19 statement.

Russell Gomery said the agency is temporarily suspending acceptance of new F-35 aircraft to ensure compliance with the F-35 program’s special metals defense regulations.

Lockheed makes the airplane, but Honeywell makes the turbo engine.

The F-35 Joint Operations Office also confirmed that the part will not affect the flight performance of the fifth-generation aircraft in use, The Hill reported.

The Pentagon and Lockheed announced that future turbo engines will use an alternative source of alloy.