Federal prosecutors allege Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr., a former U.S. Air Force pilot, conspired to provide defense services to Chinese military pilots without authorization. Brown, 65, was arrested in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and charged with violating the Arms Export Control Act. According to the Department of Justice, the accusations stem from activities beginning in August 2023 when Brown allegedly collaborated with others to train pilots in China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force.
As a U.S. citizen, Brown is accused of lacking the necessary license from the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls for offering such training. His court appearance was scheduled for Thursday in the Southern District of Indiana.
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg emphasized that training foreign military forces without a State Department license is illegal. The National Security Division, Eisenberg stated, is committed to preserving U.S. military advantages and holding violators accountable.
Brown served over 24 years in the Air Force, achieving the rank of major before retiring in 1996. He commanded key units responsible for nuclear weapons delivery systems and trained pilots on various aircraft. Post-military, he worked as a commercial cargo pilot and contract simulator instructor.
The complaint details that in August 2023, Brown began contract negotiations with Chinese interests facilitated by a co-conspirator. He allegedly interacted with Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national previously convicted of conspiring to hack U.S. defense contractors. Su Bin and his company were added to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List in 2014.
Brown reportedly sought to work as an instructor for Chinese military pilots, communicating his plans to Su Bin, and submitted his resume to Chinese nationals. After arriving in China in December 2023, Brown purportedly trained pilots until his return to the U.S. in February 2026.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that Brown breached his oath and undermined national security. Brown’s case is likened to that of ex-U.S. Marine pilot Daniel Edmund Duggan, who faced similar charges in 2017. Duggan’s case involved training Chinese pilots in aircraft carrier operations, and he awaits extradition from Australia.
A joint warning issued in June 2024 from the U.S. and allied nations highlighted China’s efforts to recruit former military personnel from NATO countries. In February 2025, Gen. James B. Hecker advised retired military personnel to protect military tactics and procedures.
The investigation into Brown is led by the FBI’s New York Field Office with support from other FBI offices and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
