Former British fighter pilots are being recruited by China to train some of their own flying aces, news that has concerned the government.
Around 30 veterans of the skies, many in their 50s, have signed up as instructors to teach the China’s People’s Liberation Army. And it seems they have been attracted by salaries of £240,000 a year, reports the Mirror.
British authorities have described it as “a threat to the UK and Western interests”, with many of the ex-pilots having flown Typhoons, Jaguars, Harriers and Tornados, although they don’t think that anyone with F-35B experience have been recruited. Beijing want to make its military a world leader by 2049 so have turned to Britain for help.
Sources do not think any pilots working in China have breached the Official Secrets Act. But one official said: “We’re taking measures to dissuade current and ex-pilots from being recruited.”
They also confirmed our “disapproval of these schemes publicly as they pose a threat to the UK and Western interests”, adding: “We want to avoid any perception by China that our previous silence on this matter is misinterpreted as acceptance or approval.”
A “threat alert” has been issued to warn ex-personnel Beijing is still trying to recruit pilots. Sources said people were taken on via a firm based in South Africa.
The Ministry of Defence said: “We are taking decisive steps to stop Chinese recruitment schemes. The National Security Bill will create tools to tackle contemporary security challenges – including this one.”
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