Former RAAF fighter pilots are being investigated by the Australian Federal Police and ASIO over concerns they provided training to Chinese pilots, Defence Minister Richard Marles revealed as he ordered an urgent review to stop any attempt by Beijing to headhunt ex-service personnel.

As defence experts said China’s recruitment drive would not be limited to pilots, Mr Marles said any former personnel who provided secret information to foreign governments would be committing a “clear and unambiguous crime”.