Indian-Origin Engineer Who Helped Design US B-2 Bomber Jailed for Passing Secrets to China

Noshir Gowadia, an Indian-origin aerospace engineer credited with developing part of the propulsion system for the US B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for passing classified information to China. His case has reignited debates on espionage, national security, and the accountability of individuals in high-tech defense roles—topics of growing relevance as India expands its own defence and aerospace ambitions.

A Brilliant Career, A Controversial Fall
Gowadia was once celebrated for his role in shaping advanced military technology. Having migrated from India to the US in the 1960s, he worked with Northrop Corporation and contributed significantly to America’s stealth aircraft programs.

However, his legacy took a dark turn when he was found guilty of transmitting national defense information to China, marketing defense technologies to other foreign nations, and illegally profiting from his knowledge of sensitive systems.

The Espionage Charges
US prosecutors argued that Gowadia knowingly compromised American military secrets by assisting the Chinese government in designing low-signature cruise missiles. His actions were deemed a threat to US national security, especially at a time when global military tensions are high.

He was arrested in 2005 after a lengthy investigation, and the trial revealed multiple counts of unauthorized disclosures, some of which spanned years and involved financial gain.

Indian Connection and Global Reflections
Gowadia’s Indian roots have drawn attention in both US and Indian media. While the case is a cautionary tale about individual accountability, it also serves as a reminder of the complex roles that immigrants can play in global defense sectors.

With India itself investing heavily in indigenous defense manufacturing, including in cities like Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru, the incident highlights the importance of ethical standards and international collaboration without breaching trust or laws.

Tech Talent and Security Balance
This case also sparks a broader conversation about how to balance technological advancement and national security. As countries—including India—race to develop next-generation defense systems, managing access to critical information and setting boundaries for global partnerships becomes crucial.

Gowadia’s actions underline the risks when personal ambition crosses ethical and legal lines in highly sensitive domains.

Conclusion
The sentencing of Noshir Gowadia is a sobering moment for the global defense and tech community. It reflects the need for tighter security controls and deeper ethical responsibility among professionals handling classified material. For India’s growing pool of aerospace and defense engineers, the case offers a powerful lesson on how national loyalty, law, and professional integrity must align in an increasingly interconnected world.