A former U.S. Air Force pilot has been arrested, accused of a stunning betrayal: training Chinese military pilots. Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr., a 65-year-old veteran with 24 years of service, now faces charges under the Arms Export Control Act.
The Justice Department alleges that Brown began conspiring to provide combat aircraft training to pilots within the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) as early as August 2023. This training, considered a “defense service” under international regulations, was conducted without any authorization from the State Department.
Brown reportedly traveled to China with the explicit purpose of instructing Chinese pilots in combat operations. Upon arrival, he was immediately subjected to intense questioning about the U.S. Air Force, spending three hours detailing his knowledge on his first day in the country.
He further prepared and delivered a briefing about his own background specifically for the PLAAF, willingly sharing information about his expertise and experience. This act raises serious questions about the potential compromise of sensitive military knowledge.
Officials express deep concern over Brown’s alleged actions, emphasizing the gravity of training those who could potentially become adversaries. The U.S. Air Force invested heavily in Brown’s skills, entrusting him with national defense, only to see that training potentially turned against them.
The FBI views this case as a deliberate attempt by the Chinese government to exploit the expertise of American service members, both current and former, to bolster its own military capabilities. This arrest is presented as a clear warning to anyone considering similar collaborations.
Investigators from multiple FBI field offices, alongside the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, are actively pursuing the case. The investigation is ongoing, seeking to fully understand the scope of Brown’s activities and any potential damage caused.
Brown was scheduled to appear in court on February 26, 2026, marking the first step in a legal process that will determine the extent of his culpability and the consequences he will face for allegedly betraying his country.
The case underscores the persistent threat of foreign governments seeking to acquire sensitive military information and expertise from individuals with ties to the U.S. armed forces, highlighting the critical need for vigilance and robust counterintelligence measures.
