The U.S. State Department announced it reached a $13 million settlement with American defense firm Honeywell over allegations it exported technical drawings of parts for the F-35 fighters and other weapons platforms to China and other foreign countries.
The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company faced 34 charges involving drawings it shared with China, Taiwan, Canada and Ireland, according to the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs’ charging document.
The State Department alleged some of the transmissions harmed national security, which Honeywell acknowledges with the caveat that the technology involved “is commercially available throughout the world. No detailed manufacturing or engineering expertise was shared.”
All together, the materials pertained to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the B-1B Lancer long-range strategic bomber, the F-22 fighter, the C-130 transport aircraft, the A-7H Corsair aircraft, the A-10 Warthog aircraft, the Apache Longbow helicopter, the M1A1 Abrams tank, the tactical Tomahawk missile; the F/A-18 Hornet fighter, and the F135, F414, T55 and CTS800 turboshaft engines.
The State Department said it would not debar Honeywell because it voluntarily disclosed its alleged violations in compliance with the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Also, $5 million of the fine is suspended so Honeywell can apply it to compliance costs and remedial measures.