"We can confirm that the magnets do not transmit
information or damage the integrity of the aircraft, and there are no
performance, quality, safety or security risks associated with this issue and
flight operations for the F-35 fleet in service will continue as usual,"
he said.
Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-35, said there was a
problem with the magnets in Honeywell's F-35 turbo engine. These materials
include cobalt and samarium alloys.
In late August, Honeywell was told by one of its third-tier
suppliers for turbo engines that it was using an alloy sourced from China which
was then magnetised in the United States.
"Out of an abundance of caution, there has been a
temporary pause in deliveries," the statement said.
It said the magnets did not provide visibility or access to
sensitive program information and that there were no security concerns for the
F-35s currently in use.
Honeywell International, which manufactures the parts, said
it would remain committed to providing high-quality products that meet or
exceed all contractual customer requirements.
The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) said alternative sources
would be used in the future.
It is known that other Chinese magnets in the F-35 jets have
received waivers from former Pentagon officials.