UK says it knew all along about F-35 Chinese supplier link
Despite past controversy surrounding F-35 supplier links with China, the UK MoD has suggested that risk assessments indicated no cause for concern.
The UK MoD has said it was always aware a F-35 circuit board supplier based in Gloucestershire belonged to Chinese parent company Shenzhen Fast Print.
Exception PCB, which continues to supply circuit boards for the fifth-generation fighter jet programme, passed a risk assessment carried out by the MoD, years before reports emerged of the company being tied to Chinese ownership, according to Jeremy Quin, Minister for Defence Procurement.
He explained during a House of Commons Defence Committee hearing on 14 December that the risk assessment result was subsequently communicated to the Lightning II joint programme, Lockheed Martin and other industry
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?]()
What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?
Future US counter-uncrewed aerial system solutions are likely to require a flexible, multi-layered approach to tackle a broad spectrum of new threats as they emerge.
-
![Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar]()
Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar
The company’s order backlog as of 30 September totalled $25.2 billion and more than a third of this is scheduled to be fulfilled before the end of 2026.
-
![US military foresees growing use of 3D printing]()
US military foresees growing use of 3D printing
Advanced manufacturing has evolved to meet military requirements and now supports multiple US critical assets, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, F-18, F-22, F-35, Bradley, HMMWV and Patriot.
-
![Irish Naval Service expands as the country looks to defence during EU presidency]()
Irish Naval Service expands as the country looks to defence during EU presidency
The Irish Naval Service has struggled to maintain capability, particularly in the face of lucrative private sector offers luring away personnel.
