Former US Air Force Pilot Charged for Allegedly Training Chinese Military

The FBI says the pilot exploited his expertise to help China modernize its military capabilities.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A former U.S. Air Force pilot named Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. has been arrested and charged with violating the Arms Export Control Act by allegedly providing combat training to Chinese military pilots without the required authorization. Brown, who served in the Air Force for over 24 years, is accused of arranging a contract to train Chinese pilots starting in August 2023 and then traveling to China to conduct the training until February 2026.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about former and current U.S. military personnel sharing sensitive expertise with adversaries like China, which the FBI says is actively exploiting this knowledge to modernize its own military capabilities and potentially undermine U.S. national security interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

The details

According to the Department of Justice, Brown allegedly conspired with foreign nationals and U.S. persons to provide combat aircraft training to pilots in the Chinese Air Force, known as the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This training was considered a defense service that required a license from the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, which Brown did not have.

  • In or around August 2023, Brown allegedly began arranging the terms of a contract to train Chinese military pilots.
  • In December 2023, Brown traveled to China to start training Chinese military pilots.
  • In early February 2026, Brown traveled back to the United States after completing the training.

The players

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.

A 65-year-old former U.S. Air Force pilot who is accused of providing combat training to Chinese military pilots without the required authorization.

People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)

The Chinese Air Force that Brown allegedly provided combat training to.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The U.S. government agency that announced the charges against Brown.

Roman Rozhavsky

The assistant director of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, who said this arrest serves as a warning that the FBI will hold accountable anyone who collaborates with U.S. adversaries to harm service members and jeopardize national security.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

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

What’s next

Brown is expected to have his initial appearance before a magistrate judge on February 26 in the Southern District of Indiana.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat posed by China's efforts to acquire sensitive U.S. military expertise, underscoring the need for robust counterintelligence measures to protect American service members and national security interests in the Indo-Pacific region.