BETRAYAL OF THE OATH: Retired Air Force Major Arrested for Training Chinese Fighter Pilots

Описание: BETRAYAL OF THE OATH: Retired Air Force Major Arrested for Training Chinese Fighter Pilots
By Investigative Correspondent

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — A retired U.S. Air Force Major with decades of experience flying the military’s most advanced aircraft was arrested by the FBI on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65, known by the call sign "Runner," is accused of violating the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) by providing unauthorized combat training to pilots of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

The Allegations: Training the Adversary
According to the federal criminal complaint, Brown conspired with foreign nationals to provide "defense services"—specifically tactical combat flight training—to Chinese military pilots without the required licenses from the U.S. State Department.
The investigation reveals a calculated effort by the Chinese government to exploit Brown’s unique expertise:
The Recruitment: In August 2023, Brown allegedly began negotiating a contract through a co-conspirator who was in contact with Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national previously imprisoned in the U.S. for hacking defense contractors and stealing military data.
The Deployment: Brown traveled to China in December 2023. On his first day, he allegedly spent three hours answering detailed questions about U.S. Air Force operations. He remained in China until early February 2026, delivering advanced combat briefings to the PLAAF.
The Expertise: Brown’s resume included over 24 years of service, commanding units responsible for nuclear weapons delivery and instructing on the F-35 Lightning II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
"A Threat to National Security"
The arrest has drawn sharp rebukes from high-ranking officials who characterize Brown’s actions as a profound betrayal of his military oath.
"The United States Air Force trained Major Brown to be an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with the defense of our Nation," said Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg. "He now stands charged with training Chinese pilots to fight against those he swore to protect."
FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky warned that this case is part of a broader, aggressive pattern by Beijing. "The Chinese government continues to exploit the expertise of current and former members of the U.S. armed forces to modernize their military capabilities. This arrest serves as a warning that we will stop at nothing to hold accountable anyone who collaborates with our adversaries."

Broader Implications for Veterans
Brown’s case mirrors the 2017 prosecution of former Marine pilot Daniel Duggan, signaling an intensified crackdown on "expertise poaching" by foreign powers. U.S. authorities are increasingly warning retired service members and defense contractors that sharing even seemingly "basic" tactical knowledge with a foreign military is a federal crime without explicit State Department authorization.
Brown made his initial court appearance today, February 26, 2026, before a Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Indiana. If convicted of violating the Arms Export Control Act, he faces a significant term in federal prison.

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