A defense company producing key components for American fighter jets and missile systems is under scrutiny after its CEO was found to have ties to organizations linked to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intelligence operations. Jerry Wang, head of S&L Aerospace Metals LLC, has been identified in Chinese state media and government reports as holding leadership roles in groups connected to the United Front Work Department (UFWD), an agency responsible for expanding CCP influence abroad.
Despite S&L Aerospace receiving tens of millions in Pentagon contracts, reports indicate that Wang has been an active participant in CCP-affiliated events. In 2006, he was photographed at a reception for Xi Jinping, who was then a provincial Party secretary. More recent images from 2019 show him applauding Xi at a conference in Beijing. Wang’s legal representatives deny any political ties but have not refuted his attendance at these events.
S&L Aerospace plays a major role in U.S. military production, supplying parts for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, as well as Boeing’s F-15 and Chinook helicopters. However, Wang’s affiliations have raised concerns among security experts and lawmakers. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) called for action, warning that no CCP-linked individual should be involved in American defense contracting.
Adding to concerns, S&L Aerospace holds a position on a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) council responsible for monitoring supply chain security. National security experts argue that having an individual with ties to foreign influence operations in such a role poses risks that should not be ignored.
The Department of Defense and DHS have yet to comment on whether S&L Aerospace was subjected to any review regarding foreign influence risks. Lawmakers are now pushing for greater oversight into how foreign-linked individuals gain access to sensitive areas of U.S. defense manufacturing.
With calls for investigations growing, the controversy surrounding Wang’s connections to CCP-backed groups has added pressure on officials to reevaluate security measures in the defense industry.
