Why China is Eagerly Recruiting Fighter Pilots: How Will They Fly 'Stolen Technology' Jets?

The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) in the United States, along with the "Five Eyes" (FVEY) military intelligence sharing partnership, which consists of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, disclosed the recruitment status of fighter pilots for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China on June 5th. According to this disclosure, the PLA is reportedly strengthening a program to entice Western fighter pilots with lucrative salaries and bonuses for advanced flight training.

In its published material, the FVEY stated, "China is actively approaching former and current fighter pilots affiliated with the United States and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), offering salaries of hundreds of thousands of dollars (100,000 dollars is approximately 16 million yen at the current exchange rate), establishing private flight training companies worldwide to conceal the PLA's identity." It continued, "Through this, China aims to enhance the PLA's air combat capabilities and obtain information on Western air force tactics, techniques, and procedures."

The PLA's recruitment targets include not only fighter pilots but also aircraft engineers, individuals with experience working in air operations centers, and aviation experts. The FVEY document stated, "The PLA is seeking to acquire practical knowledge of Western advanced fighters and learn the tactics the West would employ in a military conflict, such as a clash with Taiwan, through Western fighter pilots." Michael Casey, head of the NCSC, condemned former and current pilots collaborating with the PLA, calling it "an act that endangers colleagues and undermines national security."

The New York Times reported on the PLA's aggressive approach, saying, "China has stolen American cutting-edge technology to build fighter jets and other equipment, but PLA pilots are not proficient in operating them." While US and NATO fighter pilots possess advanced tactical flight and operational skills gained through numerous combat experiences, the PLA Air Force lacks such combat experience and pilots capable of transmitting advanced expertise. China has established private training centers that appear unrelated to the PLA in South Africa, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, among other locations. The FVEY stated that they are using a "very sinister recruitment" method, offering Western fighter pilots experience flying various new fighter jets and substantial salaries.

Western former and current pilots who participated through various gatherings were initially unaware that the PLA was behind it. China's covert approach came to light in 2022 when it was revealed that 30 former British Royal Air Force fighter pilots had been employed by the "TFASA (Test Flying Academy of South Africa)" in South Africa.

China's actions are intensifying US concerns. The US Department of Defense has warned that these actions "could pose a serious threat to US national security" and is actively exploring countermeasures.

Despite China's adoption of cutting-edge technology, the shortage of fighter pilots and the lack of combat experience are realistic issues facing the PLA. China aims to secure both technological superiority and combat experience and expertise by recruiting Western fighter pilots. This is expected to remain a crucial strategy for strengthening China's military power in the future.