Date: February 26, 2026
A former United States Air Force major and fighter pilot, Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation over allegations that he secretly trained Chinese military pilots without official approval.
SUNTV Global Channel gathered that Brown, 65, who reportedly used the call sign “Runner,” was arrested on Wednesday in Jeffersonville, Indiana, according to a statement from the United States Department of Justice.
Allegations Of Illegal Military Training
Prosecutors accused Brown of unlawfully providing defence services to pilots of China’s air force, known as the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), in violation of U.S. export control laws.
Authorities said the former officer allegedly conspired with foreign nationals and American associates from around August 2023 to deliver combat aircraft training to Chinese military personnel. Under U.S. regulations, such training is classified as a defence service and requires government authorisation — which officials say Brown never obtained.
Investigators claim Brown arranged his contract through intermediaries, including Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national who previously pleaded guilty in 2016 to hacking U.S. defence contractors to steal sensitive military data.
Trips To China And Training Activities
According to the criminal complaint, Brown travelled to China in December 2023 and remained there until early February 2026.
On arrival, he allegedly spent several hours answering detailed questions about U.S. Air Force operations and later delivered presentations to Chinese military personnel. Prosecutors also said he expressed excitement about returning to his role as a fighter pilot instructor.
Brown served more than 24 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring in 1996 as a major. During his military career, he commanded nuclear weapons delivery units, led combat missions, and flew several advanced aircraft including the F-15, F-16, and A-10.
After leaving active duty, he worked as a commercial cargo pilot and simulator instructor for U.S. military aircraft training programs.
National Security Concerns
U.S. officials described the case as part of growing concerns about China recruiting former Western military personnel to strengthen its armed forces.
Justice Department officials stressed that providing military training to foreign forces without authorisation is a serious offence and vowed to pursue similar cases aggressively.
The case has drawn comparisons to Daniel Edmund Duggan, a former U.S. Marine Corps pilot charged in a similar case involving alleged training of Chinese military aviators.
What Happens Next
Brown is expected to make his first court appearance on February 26, 2026, in the Southern District of Indiana.
If convicted under the Arms Export Control Act, he could face significant criminal penalties. Authorities emphasised that the charges remain allegations, and Brown is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Reporting by SUNTV Global Channel.
