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Reports suggest RAAF pilots trained Chinese; investigation launched

Reports suggest RAAF pilots trained Chinese; investigation launched

Defence is to launch an investigation into UK newspaper claims that air force pilots are training the Chinese armed forces in aircraft such as Typhoons, Jaguars, Harriers and Tornados.

Defence is to launch an investigation into UK newspaper claims that air force pilots are training the Chinese armed forces in aircraft such as Typhoons, Jaguars, Harriers and Tornados.

The Times of London on Tuesday reported that both current and former RAF personnel were being paid AU$430,000 a year to help China “develop its tactics and technological expertise”.  

The Australian then subsequently revealed that RAAF pilots were part of the Western cohort of 30 who were approached through a South African flight school acting as an intermediary.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said he would be “shocked and disturbed” if pilots put being “lured by a paycheck from a foreign state above serving their own country”.

“I have asked the department to investigate these claims and come back to my office with clear advice on this matter.”

The “Western official” who briefed The Times said that those who had taken part were “almost certainly enhancing China’s military knowledge and capability”.

“Without us taking action, this activity would almost certainly cause harm to the UK and our allies’ defence advantage,” the source said.

The official added that the recruitment campaign began three years ago but has now restarted following the end of many COVID restrictions.

British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey added that anyone caught taking part in the training would be prosecuted.

“We’ve approached the people involved and have been clear of them that it’s our expectation they would not continue to be part of that organisation,” Minister Heappey told Sky News.

“China is a competitor that is threatening the UK interest in many places around the world. It is also an important training partner but there is no secret in their attempt to gain access to our secrets, and their recruitment of our pilots in order to understand the capabilities of our air force is clearly a concern to us and the intelligence part of the MoD.”

The Times has subsequently reported that officials in the UK Ministry of Defence are also investigating whether Beijing targeted personnel form the Army or the Navy, too.

It comes after Defence Connect and its sister brand, Australian Aviation, reported in June how a Chinese J-16 cut across the nose of a RAAF P-8 Poseidon in what Defence called a “dangerous manoeuvre” that was a safety threat to the Australian crew.

The incident took place on 26 May over the South China Sea and saw the fighter jet accelerate so close to the Australian aircraft that a “bundle of chaff” was ingested into its engine.

Minister Marles said the P-8 returned back to base safely but added the incident would not deter the RAAF from continuing to fly over the disputed area.

 [Related: Marles tours Pacific in bid to reinforce defence ties]

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    Regardless of whether the RAAF pilots are current or former, if they are current AGSVA security clearance holders, then they are obliged to report suspicious foreign contact and any changes in circumstances (such as new employment) to determine if a security concern exists.
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    Re Hayes. Unfortunately, these pilots, with the RAF for certain are being recruited not for initial pilot training, but to teach the physical aspects of current air to air combat (and land and sea strike) techniques, as used by their former parent body. And it would appear that the RAAF ones are needed for the same. The US military does not have this problem, as their Foreign Enlistment regulation, is extremely through. MACKINLAY
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    Without doubt, any former RAAF pilots involved in this scheme would have completed their employment term with the RAAF and are therefore free to offer their services to any other employer - subject to their not divulging any classified information - such as tactical combat manoevres or related equipment capabilities/operational procedures. Many former RAAF pilots are recruited by commercial airlines and flight schools but none of those roles would ever likely call upon a pilot's classified knowledge. The report on the DoD's probe is unlikely to reveal anything sinister.
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      Did you read the article Peter? It is quite clear that they are recruiting fighter pilots. That is very different from attempting to draw parallels between RAAF pilots going to work for airlines. C'mon mate.
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