The US and its intelligence partners have issued a warning that China has been intensifying its efforts to recruit former Western military pilots and service members to train its own aviators. This is seen as part of China’s ongoing struggle to enhance its air operations, especially in preparation for a possible military takeover of Taiwan. Western-trained pilots are valued for their expertise in air combat tactics and can provide valuable insights on countering Western aviation tactics, which China is eager to learn.
The Five Eyes nations, which include the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have jointly issued the warning, highlighting the aggressive recruitment efforts by the People’s Liberation Army to attract Western military talent. Private companies, often disguised as independent entities operating in third countries, have been utilized to approach Western pilots with lucrative contracts and the opportunity to fly exotic aircraft. Former Western pilots are then recruited to train Chinese military personnel who can then return to China and train more pilots.
Efforts to counter these recruitment tactics have been made by the US, including sanctions on third-party companies involved in the recruitment process. However, China has been adapting by incorporating entities under different names and varying recruitment approaches. The bulletin released by the Office of the Director for National Intelligence reflects the ongoing concern among the US and its allies regarding the PLA’s attempts to gain insights into Western military tactics and technology through the recruitment of former pilots.
Tensions between China and Taiwan have been escalating, with China conducting large-scale military drills around the island following the election of a new president in Taiwan. The PLA Navy and PLA Air Force are considered the largest aviation force in the Indo-Pacific region, adding to concerns about China’s military capabilities. Recent arrests of US service members for allegedly leaking classified intelligence to China further highlight the challenges posed by Chinese espionage activities and recruitment tactics in the military sector.
In response to the growing concern, US officials have raised awareness about the risks associated with foreign companies targeting and recruiting US and NATO-trained military personnel to assist the People’s Liberation Army. Efforts to address this issue have included a conference focused on countering Chinese recruitment of allied personnel as well as seeking the extradition of individuals involved in training PLA pilots. The bulletin released by the intelligence community underscores the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and countering Chinese efforts to recruit Western military talent.
The issue of Chinese recruitment of former Western pilots gained public attention in 2022 when a former US Marine fighter jet pilot was arrested in Australia for allegedly training PLA pilots. The UK Ministry of Defense also issued a security alert after several military pilots were found training the PLA Air Force. Investigations into the practice have been launched by Canada and Australia, with the US seeking extradition of individuals involved in training foreign military personnel without authorization. The bulletin serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by Chinese recruitment tactics and espionage activities targeting Western military personnel.
