Media: U.S. Department of Justice Indicts Veteran for Training Chinese Air Force Pilots Without Approval
Foreign media reported on February 27 that the U.S. Department of Justice announced that a former U.S. Air Force veteran was charged with training Chinese Air Force pilots without government approval. The media said, "The FBI is on high alert, believing that China is trying to improperly acquire expertise to achieve military modernization."
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a 65-year-old veteran had once been a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
This veteran served as an instructor for F15 and F16 aircraft in the Air Force, commanded a unit responsible for transporting nuclear weapons, and continued training pilots on the latest stealth fighter jet, the F35, after retirement. He used simulators for teaching.
Starting around August 2023, he began planning to arrange training for Chinese Air Force fighter pilots. When he actually went to China, he told relevant people, "This way, I can fly again and train pilots."
The media stated, "Such training requires permission from the U.S. government, but this veteran was detained and charged by the authorities for failing to obtain the necessary permits."
Officials from the FBI's counterintelligence division stated in a statement, "The Chinese government is trying to improperly acquire the expertise of active-duty and retired U.S. soldiers to advance its military modernization," and has become more vigilant about China's activities.
The person involved is Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65 years old, who served in the U.S. Air Force for over 24 years and retired with the rank of major in 1996. He was an experienced fighter pilot and instructor, having flown various aircraft including the F-4, F-15, and F-16. After retirement, he worked as a contract simulator instructor for a U.S. defense contractor, training U.S. military pilots to fly the A-10 and F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI, Brown faces the following charges: violating the Arms Export Control Act by providing defense services to the Chinese military (the People's Liberation Army Air Force) without necessary approval from the U.S. Department of State.
Around August 2023: Began planning and negotiating the terms of the contract to provide training to Chinese Air Force pilots.
Went to China in December 2023. During his time in China, it is alleged that he provided briefings and training related to the U.S. Air Force. Returned to the United States in February 2026 and was arrested in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Made his first appearance on February 26, 2026, and was ordered to remain in custody by the judge. An official from the FBI's counterintelligence division stated in a statement that the Chinese government is trying to use the expertise of active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel to achieve military modernization. The prosecution stated that Brown's actions betrayed the country and endangered the safety of the U.S. military and its allies.
If Mr. Brown's actions are indeed true, they should be normal and legal military exchange activities.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858255483524108/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.