As part of the training, the Chinese sought to learn about Western aircraft, their capabilities and tactics that could be used against Taiwan, for example.
Western countries are concerned about the People’s Liberation Army recruiting Western fighter pilots. The Financial Times writes about this.
Intelligence agencies in the United States and several other countries have warned that China continues to recruit current and former pilots from the United States and NATO countries despite efforts to curb the practice.
“To overcome its shortcomings, the Chinese military is aggressively recruiting Western military talent to train its airmen, using private firms around the world that conceal their ties to the PRC and offer exorbitant salaries to recruits,” said National Cyber NCSC Director Michael Casey. Security Center.
Concerns about this increased in 2022 when it was revealed that former UK pilots were helping to train Chinese military pilots at a private school called the South African Test Flight Academy.
Western partners have taken various steps to prevent the hiring of Western pilots, but China continues to seek options.
“For some former military pilots, the opportunity to fly exotic fighter jets again may be appealing, especially if it comes with a high salary,” a U.S. official said.
As part of the training, the Chinese sought to learn about Western aircraft, their capabilities and tactics that could be used against Taiwan, for example.
Employers offered high wages for the job in China, South Africa and other countries. Western pilots were also sought after by headhunters and professional networking sites.
A US official said some former Western fighter pilots encouraged their colleagues to join Chinese airmen in the exercise.
Let us recall that on June 2, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on June 2 that the Chinese Armed Forces are ready to use force to prevent Taiwan’s independence.
Source: Focus
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