Former US Air Force Major Arrested for Allegedly Training Chinese Pilots

Major Arrested for Unauthorized Training

A retired Major from the US Air Force, Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., aged 65, has been taken into custody in Jeffersonville, Indiana, on charges of conspiring to provide military training to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China. The Department of Justice has confirmed the allegations against him.

Brown, who served over 20 years in the Air Force and retired in 1996, held the rank of Major and was known by his call sign “Runner.” His military career included commanding units associated with nuclear weapons and leading various combat missions. He also trained pilots on advanced aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt II.

After his military service, he transitioned to a role as a commercial cargo pilot and later became a contract simulator instructor for US defense contractors, where he trained pilots on the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

Allegations of Training Chinese Military Pilots

Alleged Dealings With Chinese Military

According to the criminal complaint, Brown initiated plans in August 2023 to provide instruction to Chinese military pilots. Prosecutors claim he collaborated with intermediaries to negotiate terms with Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national previously convicted in the US for hacking defense contractors and stealing sensitive data.

Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), providing military training to foreign forces is classified as a “defense service” and requires authorization from the US State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Authorities assert that Brown failed to secure the necessary approval.

In communications referenced in the complaint, Brown reportedly showed eagerness to resume fighter pilot instruction. He traveled to China in December 2023, where he began training PLAAF pilots and remained until February 2026 before returning to the US.

Concerns Over Counterintelligence

Broader Counterintelligence Concerns

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg remarked that Brown had been “entrusted with the defense of our Nation” and now faces charges for illegally training Chinese military personnel. FBI Counterintelligence officials noted that this case reflects a larger trend of the Chinese government attempting to leverage the skills of former Western military aviators.

This incident follows similar accusations against former US Marine Corps pilot Daniel Edmund Duggan, who was also charged with training Chinese pilots in carrier-based aviation tactics. US officials have consistently warned that China is actively recruiting current and former military personnel from NATO and allied nations to bolster PLA capabilities.

A joint bulletin released in 2024 by the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand highlighted that the People’s Liberation Army is seeking Western-trained aviators. US Air Force leadership has emphasized that former personnel have a duty to protect operational tactics and procedures even after retirement.

Brown is set to make his initial court appearance before a federal magistrate judge in the Southern District of Indiana. If found guilty under the Arms Export Control Act, he could face severe penalties. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, with support from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and prosecutors have stated that unauthorized military training for foreign adversaries will be pursued vigorously.