Former U.S. Air Force Officer Accused of Training Chinese Military Pilots

The retired major allegedly provided defense services to China's air force without State Department approval.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A former U.S. Air Force major named Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. has been arrested and charged with providing defense services to the Chinese military's air force without approval from the State Department. Brown, who served over 24 years in the Air Force, allegedly traveled to China in late 2023 to train Chinese pilots on combat operations.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about China's efforts to recruit former Western military personnel to strengthen its armed forces. The U.S. has previously accused Chinese companies of recruiting Western pilots and training Chinese military personnel, leading to new export restrictions on China.

The details

According to the Justice Department, Brown arranged the work to train Chinese pilots through an intermediary named Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese businessman who previously pleaded guilty to helping hack into a major U.S. defense contractor. During his time in China in late 2023, Brown spent hours answering questions about the U.S. Air Force and gave a presentation about his background and experience. The Arms Export Control Act prohibits Americans from training members of foreign military forces without a license from the State Department, which Brown did not have.

  • Around August 2023, Brown began arranging the work to train Chinese pilots.
  • In December 2023, Brown traveled to China to work with pilots from the Chinese air force.
  • In early February 2026, Brown returned to the United States.

The players

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.

A 65-year-old retired U.S. Air Force major who served over 24 years in the military and is accused of providing defense services to the Chinese military's air force without approval from the State Department.

Stephen Su Bin

A Chinese businessman who pleaded guilty in 2016 to helping hack into the computer systems of a major U.S. defense contractor and stealing military data for China.

U.S. Air Force

The branch of the U.S. military that trained Brown as an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with the defense of the nation.

People's Liberation Army Air Force

China's air force, which Brown is accused of training without approval from the U.S. State Department.

U.S. Department of State

The government agency that must approve Americans providing defense services to foreign military forces under the Arms Export Control Act, which Brown is accused of violating.

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What they’re saying

“Now… I have the chance to fly and instruct fighter pilots again!”

— Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.

“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

“China has sought to recruit former Western military personnel to strengthen its armed forces.”

— Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director, FBI Counterintelligence Division

What’s next

Mr. Brown's case has been transferred to Washington, D.C. and it is unclear when he will next appear in court.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about China's efforts to recruit former Western military personnel to bolster its own armed forces, raising national security issues for the U.S. and its allies.