Where there is smoke, there is fire

Not just magnets anymore. DOJ is now involved. Frank Kendall, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics approved waivers for F-35 parts to be built by the Chicoms. Things like sensors for the aircraft's thermal management system.

He (DellaVedova) said all the Chinese-built sensors would eventually be replaced on the F-35s, but the process had not yet been completed. He had no immediate information on how many Chinese-built sensors were installed on the planes.

Thermal management with the F-35 is at critical performance levels. Unlike conventional aircraft you can't put drain holes and air-scoops just anywhere on a low observable F-35.

The aircraft uses fuel as a heat-sink. The motor, AESA radar, electronic flight controls, EOTS, DAS, cockpit displays and associated computers create a lot of heat.

Example: on a hot summer day, use a push mower while wearing a snowmobile suit, ski-mask, helmet, gloves and boots to get an appreciation of thermal build up in the F-35.

The F-35 is mostly justified to take on emerging threats (even though it is unlikely it can take on this role) and we give some of our supply chain for this to the Chinese communists.