A “former elite fighter pilot” who served in the U.S. Air Force will appear in an Indiana courthouse on Thursday after being accused of training and providing defense services to Chinese military pilots.
According to the federal complaint, Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65, had been living in China since about 2023 and “willfully 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).” He returned to the U.S. in February.
Leaving active duty with the rank of major in 1996, Brown had served more than 24 years in the Air Force, leading combat missions, commanding missions pertaining to “sensitive” nuclear weapons delivery systems, and serving as a fighter pilot instructor on a range of fighter and attack aircraft.
Brown lacked authorization to train U.S. adversary pilots, putting him in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.
“As an Air Force Officer, Brown took an oath to defend our Nation against all enemies foreign and domestic, he broke that oath, and betrayed the country, jeopardizing the safety of our servicemembers and allies,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia, per an FBI press release. “We will hold Brown, and anyone conspiring against our Nation, accountable for their actions. The Department of Justice and my prosecutors are steadfast in our commitment to use every lawful tool available to keep American military expertise where it belongs — here in America.”
The FBI issued a warning on X to U.S. military personnel about the Chinese government’s efforts to “exploit” service members in order to enhance their own capabilities. Upon Brown’s arrival in China, he apparently spent three hours answering questions regarding U.S. Air Force operations, followed by a presentation about himself to Chinese personnel.
A year ago, Gen. James B. Hecker, commander of NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, issued a similar warning to former and current NATO armed forces members after Germany and other U.S. allies strengthened their laws and penalties against service members who share military intelligence with foreign militaries.
“Once you fly on our team, even after you hang up your uniform, you have a responsibility to protect our tactics, techniques and procedures,” Hecker said.