Ex-US Air Force Pilot Charged with Training Chinese Military

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. accused of providing defense services to China without authorization

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A former elite U.S. Air Force fighter jet pilot, Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., has been arrested and charged with providing unauthorized training to Chinese military pilots over a two-year period from 2023 to 2026. Brown, who had extensive experience flying various U.S. military aircraft, allegedly traveled to China and trained the Chinese pilots in combat aircraft operations, despite not having the required authorization from the State Department.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by the Chinese government to recruit current and former U.S. military personnel to boost its own military capabilities, which is seen as a growing threat to U.S. national security. The arrest of Brown, a highly experienced former Air Force pilot, underscores the importance of preventing the transfer of sensitive U.S. military expertise to adversaries like China.

The details

According to the Justice Department, Brown, who went by the call sign 'Runner,' had a distinguished 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force, leading combat missions, commanding sensitive units, and serving as a pilot instructor for a variety of aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II. In August 2023, Brown allegedly used a co-conspirator to negotiate a contract with a Chinese national, Stephen Su Bin, to train Chinese military pilots. Brown then traveled to China in December 2023 and remained there until February 2026, during which time he provided training to the Chinese pilots in combat aircraft operations.

  • In August 2023, Brown allegedly used a co-conspirator to negotiate a contract with a Chinese national to train Chinese military pilots.
  • In December 2023, Brown traveled to China and remained there until February 2026, during which time he provided training to Chinese pilots in combat aircraft operations.

The players

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.

A 65-year-old former elite U.S. Air Force fighter jet pilot with extensive experience flying various military aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II.

Stephen Su Bin

A Chinese national who had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal sensitive U.S. military data from U.S. defense contractors, and whose company was listed by the U.S. government as a known entity of the Chinese government.

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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 Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security

“Gerald Brown, a former F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot with decades of experience flying US military aircraft, allegedly betrayed his country by training Chinese pilots to fight against those he swore to protect.”

— Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division

“We will hold Brown, and anyone conspiring against our Nation, accountable for their actions. The Department of Justice and my prosecutors are steadfast in our commitment to use every lawful tool available to keep American military expertise where it belongs – here in America.”

— Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat posed by China's efforts to recruit current and former U.S. military personnel to boost its own military capabilities, which jeopardizes U.S. national security. It underscores the importance of strictly enforcing laws that prohibit the unauthorized transfer of sensitive U.S. military expertise to adversaries.