Chinese-Owned Company Produces Parts for F-35 Stealth Fighters: Report

On Jun. 14, 2019Sky News reportedthata Chinese-owned companyhas been manufacturing key circuit boards for F-35 Lightning IIfifth-generation fightersflown by the U.K. and U.S.Exception PCB, based in Gloucestershire, southwest England, which produces the parts was acquired in 2013 by its Chinese parent, Shenzhen Fastprint.The circuit boards control many of the F-35's core capabilities, including its engines, lighting, fuel and navigation systems, theMinistry of Defense (MoD)said in a press release.However, the MoD said Exception PCB is an established manufacturer and presents no risks to the fighter F-35's supply chain.'Exception PCB produces bare circuit boards, and as a result, there are no risks associated with their product in the F-35 aircraft supply chain,' said a spokesperson for the MoD.Concern that aChinese-owned companyis producing any parts for the F-35 program, because of long-standing fears aboutChinese espionageand rivalry has been expressed by experts and former defense ministers.'We have been completely and utterly naive about the role of China, and it is only now that people are beginning to wake up,' Sir Gerald Howarth, a former Conservative defense minister, told Sky News.The stealth fighter jet is equipped with an array of highly classified technology that includes sensors and weapons systems. Nine countries form part of the multi-billion-pound Joint Strike Fighter program and companies within these countries produce certain parts of the fighter jet.
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