Former French Fighter Pilot Investigated for Alleged Espionage Tied to China

French authorities are probing claims that the ex-pilot shared classified military information during two paid trips to China in 2018 and 2019.

The investigation was formally launched after a February 19, 2025, signalement to the Paris prosecutor alleging intelligence activity and disclosure of defense secrets.
The ex-pilot is accused of transmitting classified information to Chinese authorities during paid visits in September 2018 and August 2019.
Sources indicate the trips occurred while the pilot was still serving in the military, without notifying his superiors as required by protocol.
The case unfolds against a backdrop of heightened concerns over China's recruitment of Western military experts to bolster its air force and its recent aggressive maneuvers near Taiwan.
France's 2023 military programming law introduced stricter post-service controls, though these measures do not retroactively apply to the accused pilot.