‘Elite’ ex-US Air Force fighter jet pilot charged with providing defense services to the Chinese military
An ex-US Air Force officer and combat pilot named Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr., 65, was apprehended in Jeffersonville, Ind., for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without authorization. Brown, also known as “Runner,” had an illustrious career in the Air Force, where he led combat missions, commanded sensitive units, and instructed pilots on various aircraft, including the A-10 Warthog, F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
The arrest was made under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) for providing defense services to Chinese military pilots. Brown’s involvement in training Chinese pilots came to light after negotiations with a Chinese national, Stephen Su Bin, who had previously pleaded guilty to stealing sensitive US military data. Brown expressed his eagerness to train People’s Republic of China (PRC) military pilots during these negotiations.
In December 2023, Brown traveled to China to fulfill his commitment to training Chinese military pilots in combat aircraft operations. He remained in China until February 2026, when he returned to the US. The FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division expressed concern over Brown’s actions, emphasizing the Chinese government’s exploitation of US military expertise to enhance its military capabilities.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro condemned Brown’s actions as a betrayal of the country and a threat to national security. She vowed to hold him accountable for jeopardizing the safety of US service members and allies. Additionally, former Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. had previously warned about China’s efforts to recruit American military personnel to enhance its military strength.
The arrest of Brown serves as a warning to individuals collaborating with adversaries to harm US interests. The Justice Department remains committed to safeguarding American military expertise and ensuring it remains within the country. The collaboration between former military personnel and foreign entities poses a significant threat to national security, and efforts will be made to prevent such activities in the future.
