Former Air Force Pilot Arrested for Providing Defense Services to Chinese Military

The Department of Justice says the 65-year-old former officer trained Chinese pilots without authorization.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Department of Justice announced the arrest of 65-year-old Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., a former Air Force pilot, for allegedly providing 'defense services' to the Chinese military without authorization. Brown, who had a 24-year career in the Air Force, is accused of working with foreigners and Americans to train Chinese Air Force soldiers in combat aircraft since 2023, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the potential theft of U.S. military technology and expertise by foreign adversaries. As a former Air Force officer, Brown had access to sensitive information and training that could be valuable to China's military modernization efforts.

The details

According to the DOJ, Brown worked to provide combat aircraft training to Chinese Air Force soldiers since at least August 2023. During his 24-year Air Force career, Brown led combat missions and oversaw 'sensitive units' that had jurisdiction over nuclear weapons delivery systems.

  • On February 26, 2026, the Department of Justice announced Brown's arrest in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

The players

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.

A 65-year-old former Air Force pilot who is accused of providing 'defense services' to the Chinese military without authorization.

John Eisenberg

The Assistant Attorney General for National Security, who stated that the DOJ will hold accountable those who violate the Arms Export Control Act by providing training to foreign militaries without a license.

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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 (Department of Justice)

What’s next

The case against Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. will proceed through the criminal justice system, with the potential for further charges or sentencing if he is found guilty of the alleged violations of the Arms Export Control Act.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to protect sensitive military technology and expertise from being accessed by foreign adversaries, even by former service members. It underscores the importance of strict controls and oversight when it comes to the sharing of defense-related information and services.