A US official announced Wednesday that the Pentagon has stopped accepting new F-35 fighter jets following it discovered that a magnet used in the stealth fighter’s engine was made of unauthorized materials from China.
Pentagon spokesman Russell Guimery added that an investigation had concluded that an alloy in the engine’s lubricant pump did not comply with US procurement laws that prohibit unauthorized Chinese content.
‘No risks’
He stressed that the magnets do not transmit information or cause damage to aircraft, and that there are no risks.
For its part, said Lockheed Martin, which manufactures this type of combat aircraft, “The problem is related to a magnet in the turbocharged V-35 machine manufactured by Honeywell from materials including cobalt and samarium alloy.”
“alternative source”
Honeywell International, which makes the pump, said it “remains committed to providing high-quality products that meet or exceed all customer contract requirements.”
The joint program office said in its statement that an alternative source of the alloy will be used in the future.
Other magnets of Chinese origin are among the aircraft’s components that have received waivers from former Pentagon officials.
