- ► Former US Air Force Major Gerald Brown arrested in Indiana for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without authorization.
- ► Brown, 65, was an F-35 instructor pilot with 24 years of service, including combat and nuclear responsibilities.
- ► Allegedly traveled to China in December 2023 to train pilots under a contract negotiated by convicted Chinese national Stephen Su Bin.
- ► Faces charges similar to former US Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan, who is contesting extradition from Australia.
- ► US Justice Department warns that unauthorized military training for foreign powers carries civil and criminal penalties.
Former US F-35 Fighter Pilot Arrested In Alleged China Training Scheme
A former US F-35 fighter pilot has been arrested and charged with illegally training Chinese military aviators, according to the United States Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors allege that Gerald Brown, a retired US Air Force major and former instructor on the F-35 Lightning II, provided defense services to Chinese pilots without required US government authorization.
Brown, 65, was arrested in Indiana and charged under federal statutes governing the export of defense services. The Justice Department said he conspired to provide training to Chinese military personnel, conduct that requires prior approval under US law.
DOJ And FBI Outline Allegations
In a statement, officials said Brown had a 24 year Air Force career that included combat missions and leadership of sensitive units, including those tied to nuclear weapons delivery systems.
Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the Counterintelligence and Espionage Division at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said the former pilot allegedly trained Chinese aviators to counter US and allied capabilities.
The Justice Department has not publicly detailed the scope, duration, or exact location of the alleged training activities. Court filings are expected to clarify those elements as the case proceeds.
US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia stated that individuals who conspire to provide unauthorized defense services to foreign militaries will be prosecuted.
Background And Career
According to the Justice Department, Brown left active duty in 1996 after serving in operational and command roles. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a commercial cargo pilot and later as a defense contractor.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});In that role, he trained US pilots to operate the F-35 and the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, two frontline platforms central to US combat airpower.
The F-35 Lightning II remains the cornerstone of US and allied tactical aviation strategy. Any transfer of advanced tactical knowledge related to fifth generation operations raises significant counterintelligence concerns, especially given ongoing US China strategic competition.
Broader Pattern Of Recruitment Concerns
The case comes amid repeated warnings from US and allied governments that China is actively recruiting current and former Western military personnel.
In 2024, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom issued a joint advisory cautioning service members about recruitment efforts linked to the People’s Liberation Army. The notice warned that unauthorized training could expose participants to criminal liability and threaten allied security.
Officials have said the PLA seeks insight into Western tactics, training methods, and operational doctrine to accelerate modernization.
This arrest follows a similar high profile case involving former US Marine Corps aviator Daniel Duggan. Duggan was arrested in Australia in 2022 and faces US charges for allegedly violating the Arms Export Control Act by providing pilot training to Chinese forces.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});In December 2024, Australia’s then Attorney General Mark Dreyfus approved Duggan’s extradition to the United States. Duggan has appealed that decision in Australian courts.
Legal And Strategic Implications
The former US F-35 fighter pilot case underscores how Washington is tightening enforcement of export control laws tied to military expertise. Under the Arms Export Control Act and related regulations, providing defense services to foreign military entities without authorization can trigger severe criminal penalties.
From a strategic perspective, the issue extends beyond one individual. Fifth generation fighter operations rely not only on hardware, but also on training, tactics, and integration with space and cyber assets. Even unclassified tactical instruction can help a competitor refine air combat doctrine.
China continues to field advanced aircraft such as the J-20 and is investing heavily in pilot training and force readiness. US officials argue that unauthorized access to Western operational knowledge could narrow qualitative gaps in certain areas.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});At the same time, legal standards require prosecutors to prove that services provided met the definition of regulated defense assistance and that no authorization was granted. As with any criminal complaint, the allegations remain unproven unless and until established in court.
What Comes Next
Brown is expected to face initial court proceedings in federal court. The Justice Department has not indicated whether additional individuals or entities are under investigation in connection with the alleged activities.
The former US F-35 fighter pilot case will likely draw close attention from defense policymakers and counterintelligence officials. It also reinforces ongoing US efforts to protect sensitive military expertise amid intensifying competition with China.
For service members and defense contractors, the message from federal authorities is clear. Training or advising foreign military forces without explicit US government approval carries significant legal risk.
