Air Force leaders issue new warning about China-backed recruitment efforts by private companies
Air Force commanders issued cautionary statements Friday telling current and former service members to be on alert for efforts by private aviation companies with Chinese military ties to recruit them with lucrative job offers.
U.S. and allied officials have previously warned that American and allied pilots, engineers or other technical experts could be contacted online — via emails, networking sites or job listings — or in person as part of hiring efforts aimed at gaining knowledge for China about Western military tactics, techniques and procedures.
“To do this, the [People’s Liberation Army] has used private companies, like the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), Beijing China Aviation Technology Co. (BCAT) and Stratos, to hire former fighter pilots from Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and other Western nations to train PLA Air Force and Navy aviators,” according to a press release issued Friday by U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa.
The Pentagon views China’s People’s Liberation Army as its top strategic competitor.
DefenseScoop has reached out to USAFE and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations to ask if the latest warning was prompted by a recent uptick in these types of recruitment efforts or new methods of recruitment.
In Friday’s press release, officials suggested that current and former service members should immediately contact an Air Force Office of Special Investigations detachment or submit a tip online if they or a colleague have been targeted for recruitment to train foreign militaries.
The commander of AFOSI, Brig. Gen. Amy Bumgarner, noted that aviation know-how gained by the Chinese military poses a threat to national security.
“AFOSI, alongside our law enforcement and counterintelligence counterparts will continue our unrelenting pursuit of any adversary jeopardizing our people, security, or resources to ensure the Air Force’s ability to fly, fight, and win in a future conflict,” Bumgarner said in a statement.
The press release noted that the latest warning was being issued after recent updates to German laws and those of other allied nations that allow for stiffer penalties for people who aid adversaries’ militaries.
“The new laws passed last year are proof that allies will seek to hold individuals accountable when they compromise the safety of our teammates by pursuing employment backed by our adversaries. We welcome these legal changes and encourage others allies to consider similar measures,” Gen. James Hecker, commander of NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, said in a statement.
American companies providing defense services to foreign countries are subject to U.S. laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the release noted.
