US Authorities Arrest Pilot Who Offered His Expertise to China

SadaNews - The authorities in Indiana have arrested former American pilot Gerald Eddy Brown Jr., nicknamed "Runner," who was training Air Force personnel on advanced fighter jets, including the "F-35," for allegedly illegally training Chinese military pilots.

The U.S. Department of Justice reported that "Runner" was arrested in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He has been charged with conspiracy and providing defense services to Chinese pilots without a license. It confirmed that Brown "knowingly conspired" since August 2023 with foreign nationals and other American citizens to provide training on fighter aircraft to pilots of the Chinese Air Force, known as the People's Liberation Army Air Force.

Arms Export Control Act

Prosecutors indicated that Brown violated the federal Arms Export Control Act, which governs the export of U.S. military materials, services, and technology, and requires government approval before sharing them with foreign governments or citizens. They noted that the training required State Department approval under federal export regulations, and Brown did not have a license to provide it to a foreign military.

National Security Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg said: "The U.S. Air Force trained Major Brown to be an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with defending our nation. He is now accused of training Chinese military pilots," adding that "when American citizens – military or civilian – provide training to a foreign military, that activity is illegal unless they receive a license from the State Department."

Brown served over 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring from active service in 1996 with the rank of major.

Extensive Experience

During his career, Brown led units responsible for nuclear weapons delivery systems, commanded combat missions, and served as a fighter pilot and simulator instructor for aircraft including the "F-4", "F-15", "F-16", and "A-10". After leaving military service, he worked as a commercial cargo pilot and then as a contracted simulator instructor, wherein he trained American pilots on how to fly "A-10" and "F-35 Lightning II" aircraft.

According to the complaint, Brown began negotiating a contract in August 2023 to train Chinese military pilots through a partner linked to Steven Su Bin, a Chinese national previously convicted in the U.S. of conspiracy to breach computer networks of major U.S. defense companies and steal sensitive military data.

Prosecutors say Brown made it clear during those negotiations that he intended to train Chinese pilots in fighter aircraft operations. He mentioned that he is a "fighter pilot instructor" and later wrote that upon arriving in China: "Now... I have the opportunity to train fighter pilots again!".

The complaint also states that Brown traveled to China in December 2023 to begin training Chinese military pilots and remained there until his return to the U.S. earlier this month.

Prosecutors allege that Brown, upon arriving in China, spent hours answering questions about the U.S. Air Force, then gave a presentation about himself to members of the Chinese Army Air Force.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Janine P. Faris, stated: "As an officer in the Air Force, Brown swore to defend our nation against all enemies, whether foreign or domestic, but he broke that oath and betrayed the country, putting the safety of our soldiers and allies at risk. We will hold Brown accountable, and everyone who conspires against our nation, for their actions."

The case against Brown comes on the heels of similar charges against former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Edmund Dugan, accused of providing defense services to Chinese military pilots without a license and currently awaiting extradition to the U.S. while being in Australia.

Prosecutors allege that Dugan trained Chinese military pilots in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing procedures, skills considered highly sensitive to U.S. national defense.

If convicted, Brown faces a lengthy federal prison sentence under export control laws designed to prevent the transfer of American military expertise to foreign adversaries.