Former F-35 Pilot Charged with Unauthorized Training of Chinese Military Aviators

A Veteran with Decades of Expertise (Image Credits: Nypost.com)

Jeffersonville, Indiana – Authorities arrested retired U.S. Air Force Major Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. on Wednesday for allegedly delivering combat aircraft training to pilots in China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force without government approval.[1][2]

A Veteran with Decades of Expertise

Brown, 65, served 24 years in the Air Force before retiring in 1996 at the rank of major. His call sign was “Runner.”[1] He commanded units handling nuclear weapons delivery systems and led combat missions.

Officials described him as an elite fighter pilot instructor with experience on multiple aircraft. After active duty, Brown flew commercial cargo planes and later instructed U.S. pilots on simulators for defense contractors, focusing on advanced jets.[2]

• F-4 Phantom II
• F-15 Eagle
• F-16 Fighting Falcon
• A-10 Thunderbolt II
• F-35 Lightning II

Allegations of a Covert Arrangement

Prosecutors charged Brown with violating the Arms Export Control Act by conspiring since August 2023 to provide defense services to foreign military personnel.[1] The training qualified as a restricted service under International Traffic in Arms Regulations, requiring a State Department license that Brown never obtained.

He negotiated through a co-conspirator connected to Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national convicted in 2016 of hacking U.S. defense contractors for fighter jet data.[2] Brown arrived in China in December 2023 and messaged his associate: “Now…. I have the chance to fly and instruct fighter pilots again!”[1]

On his first day there, he fielded three hours of questions about the U.S. Air Force. The next day, he briefed PLAAF personnel on his background. He remained in China until early February 2026, conducting extensive sessions.[2]

Strong Denunciations from Federal Officials

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg stated that the Air Force had trained Brown as an elite pilot entrusted with national defense, yet he now faced charges for instructing Chinese aviators.[1] Eisenberg emphasized that such training required explicit licensing.

FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky accused Brown of betraying his country by preparing adversaries to confront those he once protected.[1] U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia noted that Brown violated his oath, endangering U.S. servicemembers and allies.

Patterns in Espionage Concerns

The case echoed prior incidents, including charges against ex-Marine Daniel Edmund Duggan in 2017 for similar unauthorized training.[1] Duggan awaited extradition from Australia after his 2022 arrest.

U.S. allies issued warnings in 2024 about China’s recruitment of Western military experts. Analysts suggested Brown’s knowledge of F-35 operations and nuclear delivery could aid PLAAF modernization, even if focused on basics like maneuvers.[2]

This development underscores the persistent challenge of protecting military know-how amid rising tensions. Authorities vowed to pursue accountability rigorously. What do you think about this case? Share your views in the comments.