Indian-Origin Engineer Who Helped Design US B-2 Stealth Bomber Sold Secrets to China

 Indian-Origin Engineer Who Helped Design US B-2 Stealth Bomber Sold Secrets to China — Why His Case is Making Headlines Again

A top U.S. defense engineer of Indian origin betrayed American secrets to China — and two decades later, the fallout still shakes global defense circles.

B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber 

A chilling espionage story from two decades ago is back in the spotlight — and it’s making waves across global defense circles. The man at the center of this controversy? Noshir Sheriarji Gowadia, an Indian-born aerospace engineer who once helped the United States develop the ultra-secretive B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, only to later sell classified secrets to China.

Now, as new reports suggest that China’s stealth drone technology may have roots in leaked U.S. designs, Gowadia’s name is back in the news. Here’s the full story.

 From Mumbai to America’s Most Secretive Defense Project

Noshir Gowadia was born in Mumbai, India, in 1944. He moved to the U.S. in the 1960s and became a naturalized American citizen in 1969. A brilliant mind in aeronautics, Gowadia joined Northrop (now Northrop Grumman) in 1968 — the same company that later developed the B-2 stealth bomber, one of the most advanced military aircraft ever built.

Gowadia worked there for nearly 20 years and played a critical role in designing the stealth propulsion system — a key part of the B-2's ability to remain invisible to enemy radar and infrared sensors.

At the time, he was considered a national asset. But that would change.

The Shocking Fall — Selling U.S. Secrets to China

In 2005, FBI agents raided Gowadia’s luxury home in Maui, Hawaii. What they uncovered was a trail of espionage that shocked even seasoned investigators.

Between 2003 and 2005, Gowadia made six secret trips to China. During those visits, he reportedly helped Chinese officials develop a stealth exhaust system for cruise missiles, similar to the one he designed for the B-2.

Investigators say he pocketed nearly $2 million in payments, using some of the money to pay off his home mortgage and fund an extravagant lifestyle.

He wasn’t just selling to China — reports suggest he also attempted to market U.S. military secrets to Germany, Israel, and Switzerland.

Arrest, Trial, and a Harsh Sentence

After years of investigation, Gowadia was brought to trial in 2010. The case revealed the full extent of his betrayal.

He was convicted on 14 out of 17 charges, including violating the U.S. Espionage Act and the Arms Export Control Act.

In January 2011, Gowadia was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison.

As of now, he is incarcerated at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners (MCP) in Springfield, Missouri, with a scheduled release date in 2032.

🧠 Why This 20-Year-Old Case Is Trending Today

So why is this old case back in the headlines?

Recent intelligence assessments suggest that China's latest stealth drones — which bear uncanny similarities to the B-2 bomber’s design — may have been influenced by the information Gowadia provided over two decades ago.

The renewed attention stems from how long-lasting and dangerous leaked military technology can be. If true, China’s current advancements in stealth may be the result of one man’s betrayal — years ago.

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🌐 Global Implications

The Gowadia case remains a stark warning to the U.S. defense establishment about the dangers of insider threats. Despite high-level clearance and trust, one individual was able to compromise some of the nation’s most sensitive military secrets.

For India, the story carries mixed emotions. While Gowadia was an Indian-origin success story in American defense, his actions cast a shadow on the legacy of global talent in critical sectors.

📌 Key Takeaways

Noshir Gowadia helped develop the B-2 bomber’s stealth propulsion system.

He was arrested in 2005 and later convicted for selling secrets to China and others.

Sentenced to 32 years in prison, with release expected in 2032.

The case is trending again due to China's emerging stealth tech, possibly linked to Gowadia’s espionage.

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📚 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What key role did Noshir Gowadia play in U.S. defense?

A. Nuclear missile launch systems

B. Submarine sonar design

C. Stealth bomber propulsion system 

D. Naval radar communication

“This article discusses publicly circulating allegations. It does not claim or confirm the authenticity of any individual or event.”