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Former French Navy pilot detained for spying for China

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

French authorities detained former Navy pilot Pierre-Henri Chuet on suspicion of spying for China.
Prosecutors allege he passed sensitive data to Chinese operatives after undeclared trips to China in September 2018 and August 2019.
He reportedly called Chinese J-10C and JF-17 aircraft “Rafale killers” in May 2025.
Investigators say he organized pilot training for Chinese forces through a South African aviation firm and shared technical knowledge.
The investigation remains ongoing.

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Story summary

French authorities detained former Navy pilot Pierre-Henri Chuet on suspicion of spying for China.
Prosecutors allege he passed sensitive data to Chinese operatives after undeclared trips to China in September 2018 and August 2019.
He reportedly called Chinese J-10C and JF-17 aircraft “Rafale killers” in May 2025.
Investigators say he organized pilot training for Chinese forces through a South African aviation firm and shared technical knowledge.
The investigation remains ongoing.