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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align]()
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
![New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”]()
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
![Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes]()
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.
-
![UK’s latest defence robotics and autonomy competition looks to break new ground]()
UK’s latest defence robotics and autonomy competition looks to break new ground
The UK Ministry of Defence is backing early-stage, high-risk autonomy concepts that could redefine how military systems are developed and deployed.
-
![How AI is reshaping defence procurement through sustainment]()
How AI is reshaping defence procurement through sustainment
Artificial intelligence is not just changing how defence equipment is maintained but how defence programmes are won, creating new opportunities for industry by influencing acquisition decisions and shaping competition.
