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Jeffersonville Today
By the People, for the People
Former U.S. Air Force Major Arrested for Allegedly Training Chinese Military Pilots
Authorities say the retired pilot provided unauthorized military instruction to China's air force.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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A former U.S. Air Force Major named Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. has been arrested on charges that he provided military pilot training to the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force without obtaining the required U.S. government approval. Brown, who had a long career as a fighter pilot and instructor, allegedly arranged through an intermediary to train Chinese military pilots starting in 2023.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the potential theft of U.S. military technology and expertise by foreign adversaries like China. Providing unauthorized training to foreign militaries is viewed as a serious national security threat, as it could allow them to gain valuable insights into American air combat capabilities.
The details
According to the complaint, Brown arranged through an intermediary to train pilots from the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) starting in 2023. The intermediary communicated with a Chinese national named Stephen Su Bin, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to hack U.S. defense contractors and steal export-controlled military data. Prosecutors allege that Brown's training was classified as a defense service under U.S. export laws and required a State Department license, which they claim he did not obtain.
- In or around August 2023, Brown allegedly began arranging to train PLAAF pilots.
- In December 2023, Brown traveled to China and remained there until returning to the U.S. in early February 2026.
- On February 26, 2026, Brown is scheduled to appear in federal court in the Southern District of Indiana.
The players
Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.
A 65-year-old retired U.S. Air Force Major who previously flew and instructed on various fighter jets, including the F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt II. After leaving active duty in 1996, he worked as a commercial cargo pilot and contract simulator instructor training U.S. pilots on the F-35 Lightning II and A-10.
Stephen Su Bin
A Chinese national who pleaded guilty in 2016 to conspiring to hack U.S. defense contractors and steal export-controlled military data. He communicated with the intermediary who allegedly arranged for Brown to train PLAAF pilots.
Kash Patel
The FBI Director who announced Brown's arrest.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the potential theft of U.S. military technology and expertise by foreign adversaries like China. Providing unauthorized training to foreign militaries is viewed as a serious national security threat, as it could allow them to gain valuable insights into American air combat capabilities.
