China is reportedly recruiting former air force pilots from the West to understand better how Western military aircraft and pilots operate. Up to 30 former UK military pilots are believed to have traveled to China since 2019 to work as instructors in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
“They are a very attractive body of people to then pass on that knowledge. It’s taking Western pilots of great experience to help develop Chinese military air force tactics and capabilities,” an unnamed Western official said. “Money,” he added, “is a strong motivator.”
