On Wednesday, Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., a retired F-35 pilot and former officer in the US Air Force, was arrested in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The 65-year-old faces charges for allegedly providing unauthorized defense services to pilots in the Chinese military.

According to a criminal complaint, Brown is accused of conspiring to provide military training without the necessary approval, a violation of the US Arms Export Control Act.

Court Appearance Scheduled

Brown is set to make his initial court appearance before a Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Indiana on February 26. Following the arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the incident on the social media platform X, referring to it as a significant case of betrayal involving the training of Chinese military personnel.

Allegations of Espionage

An official release from the US Department of Justice highlighted statements from Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. Rozhavsky criticized Brown for allegedly compromising national security by training Chinese military pilots, stating that the Chinese government takes advantage of US military expertise to enhance its military capabilities.

Details of the Training Offered

The investigation indicates that since August 2023, Brown has been collaborating with foreign nationals and individuals in the US to provide training for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.

Prosecutors assert that his actions fell under the category of “defense services” as defined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. As a US citizen, Brown was obliged to secure a license from the State Department before engaging in such activities, which he reportedly failed to do.

Training Trip to China

In December 2023, Brown traveled to China to commence training for Chinese Air Force pilots. Reports suggest that on his first day, he engaged in a three-hour Q&A session about the US Air Force and, on the following day, conducted a briefing for the Chinese military. He remained in China until returning to the US in early February 2026.

Connection to Past Criminal Activities

Investigators revealed that Brown coordinated the terms of his training contract through an accomplice, who negotiated on behalf of Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese individual previously sentenced in the US for hacking and stealing sensitive military data. Su Bin had been convicted in 2016 and received nearly four years in prison, with his company placed on the US Commerce Department’s Entity List in 2014.

Intent and Communication

According to the complaint, Brown openly expressed his desire to instruct Chinese military personnel. His résumé identified his goal as being an “Instructor Fighter Pilot.” Communications from a co-conspirator suggested that he was looking forward to being assigned to a base equivalent to the US Air Force Weapon School. Brown allegedly expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “Now…. I have the chance to fly and instruct fighter pilots again!”

Ongoing Investigations and Precedent Cases

John A Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, commented on the situation, noting that training foreign military personnel without a license is illegal. He emphasized the commitment of the National Security Division to protect military advantages and hold accountable those who violate the Arms Export Control Act.

The FBI’s New York Field Office is currently conducting the investigation with support from various offices, alongside assistance from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Background of Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.

Brown has over 24 years of service in the US Air Force, retiring as a Major in 1996. Throughout his career, he led significant units responsible for nuclear weapons delivery, commanded combat missions, and served as a fighter pilot and instructor. He has experience with several advanced military aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F-35 Lightning II. After retiring, he subsequently worked as a commercial pilot and a contract instructor for US defense contractors.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share