JEFFERSONVILLE, Indiana, February 26, 2026 : A former United States Air Force officer and civilian F-35 simulator instructor has been arrested and charged with illegally providing military training to pilots of the People’s Republic of China, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65, also known by his military call sign “Runner,” was taken into custody on February 25, 2026, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He is charged by criminal complaint with providing and conspiring to provide defense services to Chinese military pilots without authorization, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). Brown is scheduled to make his initial appearance before a Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Indiana on February 26.
Alleged Violations Under U.S. Export Control Law
Federal prosecutors allege that beginning in August 2023, Brown conspired with foreign nationals and U.S. persons to deliver combat aircraft training to pilots in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), tactical military instruction provided to foreign entities is defined as a “defense service” and requires prior authorization from the U.S. State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
According to the Justice Department, Brown did not seek or obtain the required license before engaging in the training arrangement.
Court documents state that Brown expressed his intention to serve as an “Instructor Fighter Pilot” in communications related to the role. Prosecutors allege that he knowingly entered into an agreement to train foreign military personnel in combat operations involving advanced fighter aircraft.
Travel to China and Duration of Training
According to the criminal complaint, Brown traveled to China in December 2023 to begin providing instruction. On his first day in the country, he allegedly spent approximately three hours answering detailed questions regarding U.S. Air Force operations. The following day, he reportedly delivered a formal briefing to PLAAF personnel.
Prosecutors state that Brown remained in China conducting flight and simulator instruction for more than two years. He returned to the United States in early February 2026 prior to his arrest.
The charging documents do not specify the exact number of PLAAF pilots involved in the training or detail the full scope of the instructional material provided.
Role of Co-Conspirators and Link to Prior Cyber Espionage Case
Investigators allege that Brown used a co-conspirator to facilitate contract negotiations related to the training arrangement. That intermediary reportedly dealt directly with Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national who pleaded guilty in 2016 in U.S. federal court to conspiring to hack into the computer networks of major American defense contractors.
In that earlier case, Su Bin admitted to involvement in efforts to steal sensitive military data, including information related to the F-35 fighter aircraft and the C-17 transport aircraft.
Prosecutors contend that Brown’s arrangement with individuals connected to Su Bin formed part of the alleged conspiracy to provide unauthorized defense services.
Military Career and Post-Service Employment
Brown served more than 24 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring from active duty in 1996 with the rank of Major. His service record includes commanding units responsible for nuclear weapons delivery systems, leading combat missions, and serving as a fighter pilot and instructor.
During his Air Force career, he flew and instructed on multiple combat aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, and F-16 Fighting Falcon. He also served in instructional roles involving advanced fighter operations.
Following his retirement from active duty, Brown worked as a commercial cargo pilot. He later held positions as a contract simulator instructor for two U.S. defense contractors, where he trained American military personnel on the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter.
Official Statements and Investigation
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg stated that individuals providing military training to foreign forces are required to obtain proper authorization from the U.S. government.
Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, said the case reflects ongoing efforts to address attempts by foreign governments to obtain U.S. military expertise.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s New York Field Office with assistance from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Broader Enforcement Context
The case follows prior federal actions involving former U.S. military pilots accused of providing unauthorized training to Chinese military personnel. In 2017, former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Edmund Duggan was charged with providing unauthorized carrier landing instruction to Chinese military pilots. Duggan was arrested in Australia in 2022 and is awaiting extradition to the United States.
Federal authorities stated that the investigation into Brown remains ongoing. No additional details regarding the scope of the alleged training or potential additional defendants have been released.
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