A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, who previously instructed military personnel on advanced jets like the F-35, has been arrested for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without authorization. The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Gerald Eddy Brown Jr., nicknamed “Runner,” was detained in Jeffersonville, Indiana, facing charges of conspiracy to provide unauthorized defense services to the Chinese military.
Prosecutors claim that Brown’s actions violated the Arms Export Control Act, a federal statute that governs the export of U.S. defense resources and mandates government approval for sharing such information with foreign entities.
“The U.S. Air Force trained Major Brown to be an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with the defense of our nation. He is now tasked with training Chinese military pilots,” stated John A. Eisenberg, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security Affairs. He emphasized that providing training to foreign military forces is illegal without authorization from the State Department.
According to allegations, since around August 2023, Brown has been conspiring with foreign nationals and other Americans to train pilots from the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Prosecutors argue that this kind of training requires State Department approval, which Brown did not possess.
Brown served over 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a major in 1996. After his military service, he became a commercial cargo pilot and worked as a simulator instructor training U.S. pilots on aircraft like the A-10 and F-35 Lightning II.
Details from the complaint indicate that Brown began negotiating to train Chinese military pilots around August 2023. This arrangement involved a co-conspirator who had connections with Stephen Subin, a Chinese national previously convicted for conspiring to hack a U.S. defense contractor.
During discussions, Brown reportedly expressed his intent to train Chinese pilots, identifying himself as a “fighter pilot instructor” on his resume. Furthermore, upon arriving in China, he noted, “Now…I have a chance to fly again and teach fighter pilots!”
He traveled to China in December 2023 and remained until early this month. Allegations assert that he spent extensive time responding to inquiries about the U.S. Air Force and delivered presentations to members of the Chinese military.
“As an Air Force officer, Brown swore an oath to protect our country from all enemies, foreign and domestic. He violated that oath, betrayed our country, and jeopardized the safety of our service members and allies,” remarked U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. She confirmed the commitment to hold Brown and others accountable.
This case is reminiscent of charges against former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Edmond Duggan, who is currently contesting extradition to the U.S. on suspicions of providing unauthorized defense services to Chinese military pilots. Prosecutors allege Duggan trained these pilots in sensitive aircraft carrier operations while residing in Australia.
If convicted, Brown faces severe penalties under the Export Administration Act, aimed at preventing the transfer of U.S. military skills to adversaries.
