China, 28 Feb: A former US Air Force officer with experience on some of America’s most sensitive combat aircraft has been arrested on charges of conspiring to train Chinese military aviators, in a case US officials describe as a serious breach of national security.
Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65, a retired major, was taken into custody in Indiana and charged with violating the US Arms Export Control Act. Prosecutors allege he provided — and conspired to provide — defense services to China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) without authorization.
According to court filings, Brown allegedly spent more than two years in China beginning in late 2023, where he trained military pilots. Authorities claim his activities included responding to detailed questions about US Air Force operations and delivering presentations about his own background and experience.
Career in Sensitive RolesBefore retiring in 1996 after 24 years of service, Brown commanded units responsible for nuclear weapons delivery systems and served as a fighter pilot instructor. Over his career, he flew aircraft including the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Following his military retirement, Brown worked as a commercial cargo pilot and later as a contractor instructor, training US pilots on advanced platforms such as the F-35 Lightning II and the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
The F-35 is regarded as one of the most advanced stealth fighters in the US arsenal and is operated not only by the United States but also by numerous allied nations.
US Officials: “Significant Threat”
US authorities framed the case as part of broader efforts by Beijing to recruit Western military expertise.
“Providing US military training to our adversaries represents a significant threat to national security,” said Lee Russ of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
James Barnacle, an FBI official in New York, described the alleged conduct as a betrayal that could expose sensitive tactics used by US and allied forces.
Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division said the arrest underscores Washington’s concern that China is seeking to modernize its military by leveraging the experience of current and former Western service members.
US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro added that anyone conspiring against the United States would be held accountable.
Strategic Implications
Security analysts say the potential transfer of knowledge — even outside classified documents — could carry weight.
Peter Layton of the Griffith Asia Institute noted that insight into nuclear weapons delivery systems and operational tactics would be of particular interest to Beijing. He added that US allies operating the F-35 would likely seek clarity on what information may have been shared.
Former US Pacific Command intelligence official Carl Schuster said that even an instructor’s approach during simulated combat can reveal underlying doctrine and training culture, helping an adversary piece together a broader operational picture.
Links to Previous Cases
Prosecutors allege Brown’s contact with China was facilitated by Stephen Su Bin, who pleaded guilty in 2016 to conspiring to steal US defense-related data.
The case also echoes that of former US Marine pilot Daniel Duggan, who has been charged under similar laws and is contesting extradition to the United States from Australia.
Broader Western Warning
In 2024, the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand issued a joint notice warning that China was attempting to recruit Western military personnel to enhance the People’s Liberation Army’s capabilities.
The notice cautioned that unauthorized training or defense services provided to foreign militaries could result in civil and criminal penalties.
Brown has not publicly responded to the allegations. The charges remain accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
