Retired fighter pilot faces federal charges for coaching Chinese aviators
Federal authorities have taken a retired US Air Force officer into custody for allegedly sharing sensitive military expertise with China. Gerald Eddie Brown, a 65-year-old former F-35 instructor, stands accused of violating the Arms Export Control Act. Officials claim he provided unauthorized defense services to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), potentially compromising national security.
Brown’s background includes over two decades of elite military service. He previously commanded sensitive units and flew various high-performance aircraft, including the F-15 and F-35. However, the Department of Justice alleges that starting in August 2023, he began arranging contracts to train Chinese pilots. This specific type of instruction requires a formal license under international arms regulations, which Brown never obtained.
Investigators believe Brown traveled to China in December 2023 to begin his instruction. During his stay, he reportedly gave detailed briefings on US Air Force operations and conducted both flight and simulator training. He continued these activities until he returned to the United States in February 2026, at which point law enforcement intervened.
Justice Department officials expressed deep concern over the transfer of military knowledge. Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg noted that the nation entrusted Brown with elite training to defend the country, but he allegedly used that same knowledge to assist a foreign military. This case follows a similar incident involving a former Marine Corps pilot in 2017.
Security agencies warn that China is actively targeting veteran military personnel from NATO and allied nations. These efforts aim to bolster Chinese military capabilities by recruiting individuals with deep knowledge of Western aerial tactics and technology.
