Former US Air Force Pilot Arrested for Training Chinese Military

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. charged with providing unauthorized defense services to Chinese pilots

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Department of Justice announced the arrest of Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., a former US Air Force pilot, for allegedly conspiring to provide combat aircraft training to pilots in the Chinese Air Force without the required authorization from the State Department.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about former US military personnel potentially sharing sensitive defense knowledge and skills with adversaries like China, which could undermine US national security advantages.

The details

According to the DOJ, since at least August 2023, Brown allegedly conspired with foreign nationals and US persons to provide combat aircraft training to pilots in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. This training was considered a defense service that required a license from the State Department, which Brown did not have.

  • On February 26, 2026, the DOJ announced Brown's arrest in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
  • Brown is scheduled to have his initial court appearance on February 26, 2026.

The players

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.

A 65-year-old former US Air Force pilot with 24 years of experience, who is accused of providing unauthorized defense services to Chinese military pilots.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The US federal law enforcement agency that announced Brown's arrest and is prosecuting the case.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that investigated the case against Brown along with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)

The air force branch of the Chinese military that Brown allegedly provided unauthorized training to.

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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)

“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 of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division (Department of Justice)

What’s next

Brown is scheduled to have his initial appearance before a Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Indiana on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of preventing the unauthorized transfer of US military knowledge and capabilities to adversaries like China, which could erode America's defense advantages and pose risks to national security.