“We have confirmed that the magnet does not transmit information or damage the integrity of the aircraft and that there are no performance, quality, safety or security risks associated with this issue and that flight operations for the in-service F-35 fleet will continue as normal ” said Defense Department spokesman Russ Gomaer. The Pentagon said Lockheed Martin has already found an alternative source of the alloy for future deliveries. The company voluntarily reported the non-compliance and an investigation is underway to determine how it occurred. The Pentagon did not disclose how many aircraft are now delayed or how many had the Chinese alloy. The company plans to deliver up to 153 F-35s by 2022 and has delivered 88 so far. The F-35 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. The US has hundreds of the aircraft, which come in three configurations, the conventional take-off and landing F-35As that the Air Force flies. the Marine Corps F-35Bs, which can land vertically; and the F-35C, configured for aircraft carrier operations. “We are working with our partners and DOD to ensure contractual compliance within the supply chain. Magnet does not have visibility or access to sensitive program information. The F-35 remains safe to fly and we are working with the State Department to resolve problem as soon as possible to resume deliveries,” Lockheed Martin said in a statement. The alloy is used in a system manufactured by Honeywell for Lockheed Martin.
