Ex-British fighter pilots lured by China to coach its military, claims UK

The former pilots of the Royal Air Force (RAF) are being utilized by China to assist perceive the best way by which Western planes and pilots function.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Oct 18, 2022 19:55 IST

Britain is issuing an intelligence alert to warn its former pilots. (Photo: Representational/Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Around 30 former British army pilots have reportedly gone to coach People’s Liberation Army personnel in China. It is being stated that these ex-UK pilots are lured by the Chinese army for coaching PLA officers and the UK authorities has determined to take “decisive steps” with the intention to cease such recruitment schemes, trying to headhunt its serving and former army pilots.

According to a report by BBC, Britain is issuing an intelligence alert to warn former Royal Air Force (RAF) and different Armed Forces personnel in opposition to working for the Chinese army.

“We are taking decisive steps to stop Chinese recruitment schemes attempting to headhunt serving and former UK Armed Forces pilots to train People’s Liberation Army personnel in the People’s Republic of China,” an MoD spokesperson stated.

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“All serving and former personnel are already subject to the Official Secrets Act, and we are reviewing the use of confidentiality contracts and non-disclosure agreements across Defence, while the new National Security Bill will create additional tools to tackle contemporary security challenges – including this one,” the spokesperson added.

Several officials from the West have claimed that efforts to headhunt such pilots have been happening and ramped up in recent times.

The spokesperson also pointed out that training pilots does not breach any current UK law, but the country’s Defence Ministry is trying to deter such practise. “Don’t go and practice international air forces with out checking with the MOD whether or not they’re a international air power we wish to see you practice – can be a very good rule,” he said.

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The BCC report also revealed that these former British pilots are being asked to explain the way in which the Western air force operates and such information could be vital in the event of any conflict.

A Western official explained the financial aspect of the scheme, stating that “it’s a profitable bundle that’s being provided to British pilots. Money is a robust motivator”. The official additionally stated that some pay packages are anticipated to be as a lot as $270,000.