Former Air Force Major Arrested for Alleged Training of Chinese Military Pilots
A retired Air Force major has been arrested for allegedly taking part in a scheme to train pilots for the Chinese military. This program involved Chinese nationals who have confessed to stealing U.S. military secrets.
Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65, reportedly traveled to China in December 2023 to offer pilot training, returning in February. As detailed by the Department of Justice, he was arrested on February 18 and charged with conspiracy and providing defense services to Chinese pilots without authorization from the U.S. government.
“He violated his oath, betrayed his country, and put the safety of our service members and allies at risk,” said a U.S. attorney regarding the case.
Additionally, Brown has been linked to Steven Subin, a Chinese national who admitted to hacking a U.S. defense contractor in 2016, resulting in the theft of sensitive military data connected to the People’s Liberation Army. Subin was sentenced to four years in prison and was placed on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List due to his activities.
The Justice Department indicated that Brown spent approximately three hours answering questions about the U.S. Air Force during his initial day in China and briefed the People’s Liberation Army Air Force the following day.
The U.S. government has long warned about China actively engaging in espionage, particularly targeting current and former military personnel from NATO countries to enhance the capabilities of its military.
A joint statement from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada in 2024 mentioned that the People’s Liberation Army continues to seek out military personnel from Western nations.
During his 24 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Brown was known by his call sign “Runner.” If found guilty, he faces substantial prison time.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized, “We will ensure Mr. Brown and anyone else involved in conspiracies against our country are held accountable. We are committed to safeguarding our military expertise within the United States.”
