Ex-Air Force Pilot Charged for Allegedly Training Chinese Military Without Authorization

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. accused of illegally providing defense services to Chinese pilots, violating federal export laws

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., has been arrested and charged with providing and conspiring to provide defense services to Chinese military pilots without the required government authorization. Prosecutors allege Brown violated the Arms Export Control Act by training Chinese pilots on advanced combat aircraft, including the F-35, which is considered sensitive U.S. military technology.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the potential transfer of sensitive U.S. military expertise to foreign adversaries like China. The charges against Brown come amid broader tensions between the U.S. and China over issues like technology theft and military modernization. The arrest also follows similar charges against another former U.S. pilot, Daniel Edmund Duggan, who is accused of training Chinese military pilots without authorization.

The details

According to the Department of Justice, Brown, whose call sign is "Runner", served over 24 years in the U.S. Air Force and left active duty in 1996 with the rank of major. During his career, he commanded units responsible for nuclear weapons delivery systems, led combat missions, and worked as a fighter pilot and simulator instructor on various aircraft. After leaving the military, Brown worked as a commercial cargo pilot and contract simulator instructor training U.S. pilots on the A-10 and F-35. Prosecutors allege that since August 2023, Brown conspired with foreign nationals to provide combat aircraft training to pilots in the Chinese Air Force, which required State Department approval that he did not have.

  • In or around August 2023, Brown allegedly began negotiating a contract to train Chinese military pilots.
  • In December 2023, Brown traveled to China to begin training Chinese military pilots and remained there until earlier this month.

The players

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.

A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who served for over 24 years, leaving active duty in 1996 with the rank of major. He is accused of illegally training Chinese military pilots without authorization.

Stephen Su Bin

A Chinese national previously convicted in the U.S. of conspiring to hack into the computer networks of major American defense contractors and steal sensitive military data. He allegedly worked with Brown on the contract to train Chinese pilots.

Daniel Edmund Duggan

A former U.S. Marine Corps pilot who is also accused of providing defense services to Chinese military pilots without authorization. His case is currently pending extradition to the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“The United States Air Force trained Major Brown to be an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with the defense of our Nation. He now stands charged with training Chinese military pilots.”

— John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security (Department of Justice)

“As an Air Force Officer, Brown took an oath to defend our Nation against all enemies foreign and domestic, he broke that oath, and betrayed the country, jeopardizing the safety of our servicemembers and allies.”

— Jeanine Ferris Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia (Department of Justice)

What’s next

Prosecutors say Brown faces significant federal prison time if convicted under export control laws designed to prevent the transfer of U.S. military expertise to foreign adversaries.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about the potential leakage of sensitive U.S. military technology and expertise to rival nations like China, and the efforts by federal authorities to aggressively prosecute those who are accused of violating export control laws.