French Ex-Pilot Detained for Alleged Spying on Military Secrets
Pierre-Henri Chuet, a former French Navy pilot and military commentator, is facing investigation by France's domestic intelligence agency, DGSI, over allegations of espionage. The 36-year-old French-Canadian national is accused of passing sensitive military information to Chinese authorities during two training trips to China in September 2018 and August 2019. At the time, Chuet was still serving in the French Navy and reportedly failed to inform his superiors about these trips, which is a requirement under French defense regulations.
Chuet gained attention last year when he claimed that India had lost Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, a statement that was strongly denied by Indian defense officials and Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale jets. Chuet's claims included praise for Chinese fighter jets, raising further concerns about his connections.
Following a report from the Ministry of the Armed Forces on February 19, French prosecutors initiated a preliminary inquiry into Chuet's activities. He has publicly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his trips were solely for hosting seminars. "I simply hosted two three-day seminars," he told Le Canard Enchaîné, adding that his 2019 trip did not go well and that he has not returned to China since.
The investigation into Chuet highlights ongoing concerns regarding military information security and the potential risks associated with international military collaborations. As the inquiry unfolds, further details about the nature of the information allegedly shared and the implications for French national security may emerge.
