RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Gen. James B. Hecker, commander of NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, is warning U.S. and Alliance aircrew members to avoid employment with privately-owned aviation companies backing the People’s Republic of China.
The warning comes after an update to German defense laws released in January 2025, in which harsher penalties may be imposed on German-trained service members who provide defense services or military intelligence to foreign militaries.
The United Kingdom and Belgium passed similar laws in Dec. 2023 and April 2024, respectively, and other NATO allies are considering similar legal changes. Sentencing can include jail time and life imprisonment in some circumstances.
“Once you fly on our team, even after you hang up your uniform, you have a responsibility to protect our tactics, techniques and procedures,” Hecker said. “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.”
As noted in an Office of the Director of National Intelligence bulletin from 2024, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues to recruit current and former military personnel from NATO nations and other Western countries to help bolster the PLA’s capabilities.
To do this, the PLA 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.
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations warns service members to steer clear of any companies providing training to adversaries.
“The insight the PLA gains from Western military talent threatens the safety of the targeted recruits, their fellow service members and U.S. and allied security,” said Brig. Gen. Amy Bumgarner, commander of AFOSI . “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.”
For U.S. service members – both retired and still serving – providing a defense service to a foreign military is regulated by the U.S. State Department under International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Additionally, intentionally providing a foreign government with classified information is illegal under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and U.S. Federal Law. Punishment for persons convicted of intentionally providing classified information to a foreign government could include dishonorable discharge, life imprisonment, or substantial fines.
If you are a current or former service member and you or someone you know has been recruited to train foreign militaries, contact your local AFOSI detachment immediately or fill out a form here.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Press Release Graphic