Former U.S. Fighter Pilot Charged with Conspiring to Train Chinese Military

Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr. allegedly betrayed the U.S. by training Chinese pilots to fight against American forces

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A former U.S. Air Force officer and fighter pilot named Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr. has been arrested for allegedly conspiring to train Chinese military pilots without authorization, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act. The 65-year-old, who went by the call sign "Runner" during his 24-year military career, is accused of working with a Chinese national to provide combat aircraft training to pilots in the People's Liberation Army Air Force since 2023.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about former U.S. military personnel potentially sharing sensitive tactics, techniques, and procedures with adversaries like China, which is actively targeting ex-service members to bolster its own military capabilities. It also raises questions about oversight and security measures around foreign pilot training programs in the U.S.

The details

According to the Department of Justice, Brown served in the U.S. Air Force from 1972 to 1996, commanding sensitive units and serving as a fighter pilot instructor on various aircraft. After retiring, he worked as a commercial cargo pilot and contract simulator instructor for U.S. defense contractors. The DOJ alleges that around August 2023, Brown began arranging to train Chinese military pilots, with the help of Chinese national Stephen Su Bin, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to hack U.S. defense contractors. Brown allegedly submitted a resume with the "objective" of being an "Instructor Fighter Pilot" and told a co-conspirator he was excited to "fly and instruct fighter pilots again" upon arriving in China, where he spent several years before returning to the U.S. earlier this month.

  • In August 2023, Brown allegedly began arranging to train Chinese military pilots.
  • Brown was arrested on February 26, 2026 in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

The players

Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr.

A 65-year-old former U.S. Air Force officer and fighter pilot who went by the call sign "Runner" and is accused of conspiring to train Chinese military pilots without authorization.

Stephen Su Bin

A Chinese national who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to hack U.S. defense contractors and is alleged to have helped Brown arrange the terms of his contract to train Chinese military pilots.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The U.S. government agency that announced the charges against Brown and detailed the allegations against him.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The U.S. federal law enforcement agency that investigated the case against Brown.

Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI)

The U.S. Air Force's special investigations unit that is committed to countering threats posed by those who violate trust and endanger service members.

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What they’re saying

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

— Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director, FBI Counterintelligence and Espionage Division

“The Chinese government continues to exploit the expertise of current and former members of the U.S. armed forces to modernize China's military capabilities. This arrest serves as a warning that the FBI and our partners will stop at nothing to hold accountable anyone who collaborates with our adversaries to harm our service members and jeopardize our national security.”

— Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director, FBI Counterintelligence and Espionage Division

“Providing U.S. military training to our adversaries represents a significant threat to national security. AFOSI remains committed to countering the threat posed by those who violate the trust placed in them and endanger our service members.”

— Lee M. Russ, Executive Director, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Office of Special Projects

What’s next

Brown is expected to have his initial appearance before a Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Indiana on Thursday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of former U.S. military personnel potentially sharing sensitive information and training with adversaries like China, which is actively recruiting ex-service members to bolster its own capabilities. It underscores the need for robust security measures and oversight around foreign pilot training programs in the United States.