A former United States Air Force officer and elite fighter pilot has been arrested on allegations of secretly providing unauthorised military training to Chinese pilots, in a case that underscores growing concerns over the transfer of sensitive Western defence expertise.
According to the United States Department of Justice, 65-year-old Gerald Brown, a retired Air Force major, was detained in Indiana on Wednesday. Prosecutors allege that Brown conspired to deliver specialised defence-related instruction to Chinese military aviators without official approval, potentially compromising national security.
Brown, who once served as an instructor on the advanced F-35 Lightning II, had a distinguished military career spanning 24 years. During his service, he reportedly flew numerous missions and commanded sensitive units associated with nuclear weapons delivery systems. Known by the callsign “Runner”, he was regarded as a highly experienced and technically proficient pilot.
Officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation described the alleged conduct as a grave breach of trust. Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, stated that Brown had “betrayed his country” by allegedly training foreign pilots in tactics that could be used against US and allied forces.
After leaving the Air Force in 1996, Brown transitioned into civilian aviation, initially working as a commercial cargo pilot. He later became a defence contractor, training US personnel to operate aircraft such as the F-35 and the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Authorities claim that his expertise was subsequently leveraged in dealings abroad.
Investigators allege that Brown travelled to China in December 2023 and remained there until early February 2026, during which time he conducted training sessions for Chinese military pilots. The arrangement was reportedly facilitated by Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national previously convicted in 2016 for conspiring to hack US defence contractors and steal military data.
Key Details of the Case
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Gerald Brown |
| Age | 65 |
| Former Role | US Air Force Major |
| Specialisation | F-35 Instructor Pilot |
| Arrest Location | Indiana, United States |
| Allegation | Unauthorised training of Chinese military pilots |
| Period in China | Dec 2023 – Feb 2026 |
| Alleged Facilitator | Stephen Su Bin |
The case bears similarities to that of former US Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan, who was arrested in Australia in 2022 over comparable allegations and is currently contesting extradition to the United States. Duggan, a naturalised Australian citizen, had reportedly lived in China for several years prior to his arrest.
Security analysts suggest that such cases reflect a broader strategic effort by China to recruit Western military expertise. In 2024, a joint warning issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand highlighted attempts to enlist current and former military personnel from NATO countries.
The advisory cautioned that knowledge gained by the People’s Liberation Army through such engagements could pose a direct threat not only to individuals involved but also to allied military operations and national security interests. It further warned that providing unauthorised military training to foreign powers could result in severe criminal and civil penalties.
The arrest of Brown is therefore being viewed as both a legal action and a strategic signal: the United States is prepared to act decisively against any perceived compromise of its defence capabilities.