Retired US Air Force Major Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. arrested for illegally training Chinese military pilots, violating AECA and ITAR, raising major national security concerns.
Retired US Air Force Major Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. arrested [Photo: X]
A former US Air Force officer has been arrested for allegedly providing military training to Chinese pilots without authorisation. Major Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65, was taken into custody in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Authorities say he travelled to China in December 2023 and remained there until February 2026, allegedly teaching advanced fighter aircraft operations to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
This case has raised serious national security concerns. The FBI described it as a violation of US export control laws that regulate the transfer of defence knowledge. Officials warn that such unauthorized training could compromise the US military advantage. Prosecutors emphasise that retired military personnel still have responsibilities to protect classified information.
Major Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., also known by the call sign “Runner,” is a retired US Air Force officer. He served more than 24 years, gaining experience flying multiple frontline fighter and attack aircraft. Brown commanded units involved with nuclear weapons delivery and led combat missions. After retirement, he continued working in aviation as a commercial pilot and defence contractor.
Major story… the FBI and our partners have arrested a former U.S. Air Force Pilot who was allegedly training pilots in the Chinese military pic.twitter.com/Y7razDr16y
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) February 26, 2026
He is recognized for his expertise in aircraft like the F‑4 Phantom II, F‑15 Eagle, and F‑16 Fighting Falcon. Brown also instructed younger pilots, earning respect as a skilled trainer. His extensive knowledge made him a sought‑after instructor for advanced military aviation.
Brown was arrested for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without proper US authorization. Authorities claim he conspired to provide advanced combat aircraft instruction to the PLAAF.
Federal law requires special licenses to offer defence services to foreign military forces, which Brown reportedly did not obtain. Prosecutors say he arranged meetings with intermediaries to negotiate the training.
His activities allegedly started in August 2023 and continued for more than two years. The FBI considers this a severe breach of national security. Officials highlighted the risk that sensitive military tactics could be transferred to a strategic competitor like China.
Brown faces charges under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). These laws prohibit US personnel from providing defence services to foreign countries without authorization.
Brown reportedly ignored the requirement to obtain a State Department license before offering his expertise to Chinese forces. Violating these regulations can result in long prison terms and substantial fines. The Department of Justice stressed the seriousness of his actions. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg said:
“The United States Air Force trained Major Brown to be an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with the defence of our Nation. He now stands charged with training Chinese military pilots.” The charges serve as a warning to other retired military officers.
During his Air Force career, Brown flew and instructed on high-performance aircraft, including the F‑4 Phantom II, F‑15 Eagle, F‑16 Fighting Falcon, and A‑10 Thunderbolt II. He also commanded squadrons responsible for weapons delivery systems and led multiple combat missions. Brown’s expertise extended to training new pilots and managing complex military operations.
His experience made him an invaluable asset to the US Air Force. He retired with the rank of Major in 1996, leaving behind a record of decorated service. Brown’s knowledge of advanced fighter aircraft tactics and operations was widely respected within the military.
After leaving active duty, Brown became a commercial cargo pilot, continuing his aviation career in the private sector. Later, he worked as a contract simulator instructor for US defence contractors. In that role, he trained American pilots on cutting-edge platforms such as the F‑35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
His civilian roles allowed him to maintain access to advanced military knowledge. Investigators say he used this experience to provide unauthorized training to foreign military personnel.
Brown remained deeply connected to aviation and military instruction long after his retirement. His post-military career highlights the challenges of monitoring former officers with sensitive expertise.
Prosecutors allege that Brown used intermediaries to negotiate training arrangements with Chinese military personnel. One key intermediary was Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national previously convicted in the US for hacking defence contractors.
Brown began these arrangements around August 2023. He then travelled to China in December 2023 and reportedly trained PLAAF pilots until February 2026. Communications cited in court filings suggest Brown was enthusiastic about returning to pilot instruction.
His alleged actions demonstrate how retired military personnel can be exploited by foreign governments. The FBI sees this as part of a wider pattern of foreign recruitment efforts targeting US expertise.
The FBI and Department of Justice emphasized the significant risks posed by Brown’s alleged actions. Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky said:
“Gerald Brown … allegedly betrayed his country by training Chinese pilots to fight against those he swore to protect.”
Officials warned that China is actively recruiting Western-trained military experts to enhance its armed forces. The case demonstrates the potential consequences of sharing sensitive operational knowledge. Authorities stressed that retired personnel retain responsibility for safeguarding classified tactics. The DOJ and FBI described the arrest as a warning to others considering similar actions. It reinforces the need for vigilance in protecting US national security even after military retirement.
Brown is scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate judge in the Southern District of Indiana. If convicted under AECA and ITAR provisions, he could face long prison sentences and hefty fines. Prosecutors have stated that unauthorized transfer of military expertise will be aggressively pursued.
The case underscores the US government’s commitment to preventing sensitive knowledge from reaching foreign adversaries. Legal proceedings are expected to attract significant attention due to Brown’s military record.
The outcome may influence how future retired officers engage with foreign militaries. Courts will carefully weigh national security considerations in the trial.
Brown’s arrest is part of a larger trend where China seeks to recruit retired Western military personnel. Similar cases include former US Marine Corps pilot Daniel Edmund Duggan, accused of training Chinese pilots in carrier-based operations.
The US and allied governments have issued repeated warnings about the risks of sharing sensitive military tactics. Retired officers often retain knowledge of advanced operations, making them valuable targets.
Experts say China systematically approaches former NATO and allied personnel to improve PLA capabilities. The Brown case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in protecting national security from foreign exploitation.
