A decorated former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, known by the call sign “Runner,” now faces federal charges alleging he secretly trained Chinese military pilots. Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. was arrested in Indiana, accused of illegally sharing his expertise with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) – a betrayal of the nation he once swore to defend.
The Justice Department alleges Brown, a veteran of over two decades in the Air Force, began a clandestine operation in August 2023. He allegedly conspired with others to provide crucial combat aircraft training, a service strictly regulated by federal law and requiring explicit State Department approval.
Brown’s distinguished career included commanding units responsible for nuclear weapons and leading combat missions in aircraft like the F-4, F-15, F-16, and A-10. After leaving active duty in 1996 with the rank of major, he continued to hone his skills as a simulator instructor, even training American pilots on the advanced F-35 Lightning II.
The investigation revealed Brown negotiated his contract through an intermediary connected to Stephen Su Bin, a previously convicted Chinese national who specialized in hacking U.S. defense contractors. This connection raises serious concerns about the deliberate targeting of American military secrets.
Documents show Brown explicitly stated his intention to train Chinese pilots in combat operations. A resume outlined his objective as “Instructor Fighter Pilot,” and a later message expressed his eagerness to “fly and instruct fighter pilots again!” upon arriving in China.
In December 2023, Brown traveled to China and spent weeks directly instructing PLAAF pilots. He reportedly spent hours answering detailed questions about the U.S. Air Force and even delivered a presentation about his experience to members of the Chinese military.
Federal prosecutors emphasize the gravity of Brown’s alleged actions, stating he violated his oath to defend the United States and jeopardized the safety of American servicemembers and allies. The case is being pursued with the utmost seriousness, promising full accountability.
This case isn’t isolated. It follows similar charges against Daniel Edmund Duggan, a former Marine Corps pilot accused of training Chinese pilots in sensitive aircraft carrier operations. Duggan is currently awaiting extradition to the U.S. from Australia.
The charges against Brown carry the potential for significant prison time, reflecting the government’s commitment to preventing the transfer of critical U.S. military expertise to potential adversaries. The case underscores the ongoing threat of foreign powers seeking to acquire sensitive American defense technology and training.
