'Elite' Pilot Arrested Over Training Chinese Pilots - Not The First Case

Duggan’s legal team argues that the equivalent Australian offence was not in force at the time of the alleged conduct, rendering the extradition decision invalid. They also contend it is extraordinary to extradite an Australian citizen for alleged breaches of US law tied to activities in South Africa. Government lawyers maintain Australia’s role is limited to assessing whether the conduct meets extradition treaty requirements, leaving guilt or innocence to US courts. The Federal Court has reserved its decision.

South Africa - The Conduit

The Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA/TSFSA) sits at the centre of allegations that Western ex-military pilots helped train Chinese personnel linked to the People's Liberation Army. Western governments argue the academy functioned as a conduit, allowing retired UK and allied pilots to transfer advanced aviation knowledge to Chinese military aviators under the guise of civilian test-flying instruction.

According to reporting, instructors taught subjects such as flight test methodology, aircraft handling, tactical flying concepts, and performance analysis — areas that indirectly improve combat effectiveness. Officials stress that while instructors may not have handed over classified material, the concern lies in transferring “operational insight” into how Western pilots think, train, and fight.

TFASA has denied wrongdoing, stating it provides “purely civilian flight test training” and does not deliver front-line combat tactics or classified data. Some instructors reportedly described Chinese trainees as “professional” and “very capable students.” Critics argue that even non-classified tactical frameworks can enhance China’s ability to counter Western air forces in future conflict scenarios.

Since 2023, the fallout surrounding the Test Flying Academy of South Africa has intensified significantly. In June 2023, the US Department of Commerce placed the academy on its Entity List, designating it as acting contrary to US national security interests due to its alleged role in training Chinese military personnel. Washington later expanded restrictions to include associated aviation firms across South Africa, Hong Kong and the UK, tightening export controls and limiting access to US-origin technology. In early 2026, the US Justice Department filed a forfeiture complaint after intercepting mission crew trainers allegedly destined for the People's Liberation Army, claiming the systems incorporated US technology and were intended to enhance PLA airborne warning and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. TFASA has denied wrongdoing, maintaining it provides civilian flight test instruction only. Meanwhile, Five Eyes governments have issued renewed warnings to former military personnel, signalling growing concern over the strategic transfer of Western aviation expertise to China. Sources News/Journal sources available upon request, not shown to maintain visual integrity of page.