Pentagon halted deliveries of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters due to Chinese magnet
The U.S. Department of Defense has been forced to pause deliveries of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning aircraft.
Here's What We Know
As it turns out, an alloy from China was used to create the magnets for the pumps. Now the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are working to ensure that the F-35 program complies with defense regulations that deal with special metals. This was announced by U.S. Defense Department spokesman Russel Goemaere.
A pause in supplies will have no effect on the F-35 Lightning II fighters, which have already been handed over to the U.S. army and foreign partners. This is due to the fact that the magnet does not transmit information to the authorities of China and does not cause physical damage to the plane.
The representative of the Pentagon stressed that the office of the F-35 program has already found a new alloy, which will be used in fighters. They learned about the problem as early as August 19. Lockheed Martin said it is working with contractors and the Department of Defense to ensure that production of the F-35 begins to comply with Federal Acquisition Regulations as soon as possible.
The fighter jet manufacturer also says the pause does not interfere with the aircraft's production schedule. As planned, Lockheed Martin will be able to produce 148 to 153 F-35 Lightning II in 2022. Already, 88 planes have been produced.
Source: Bloomberg