LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A former U.S. Air Force officer and pilot was arrested Wednesday in Jeffersonville, Indiana, for allegedly "training Chinese military pilots."
According to the Department of Justice, 65-year-old Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. was charged by criminal complaint for providing, and conspiring to provide, unauthorized defense services to Chinese military pilots in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.
Brown is expected to make his first court appearance Thursday before a magistrate judge in the Southern District of Indiana.
"As an Air Force officer, Brown took an oath to defend our Nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. He allegedly broke that oath and betrayed the country, jeopardizing the safety of our servicemembers and allies," said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro in a news release. "We will hold Brown, and anyone conspiring against our Nation, accountable for their actions. The Department of Justice and my prosecutors are steadfast in our commitment to use every lawful tool available to keep American military expertise where it belongs – here in America."
Since 2023, Brown has allegedly conspired with foreign nationals to provide combat aircraft training to pilots in the Chinese Air Force. He served for more than 24 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a major in 1996.
According to the DOJ, "Brown commanded sensitive units with responsibility for nuclear weapons delivery systems, led combat missions, and served as a fighter pilot instructor and simulator instructor on a variety of fighter and attack aircraft."
In August 2023, Brown allegedly used a co-conspirator to negotiate with a Chinese national who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to hack into the computer networks of major U.S. defense contractors and to steal sensitive military and export-controlled data.
Brown allegedly traveled to China in December 2023 to begin training PRC military pilots. Officials said Brown spent three hours answering questions about the U.S. Air Force on his first day there.
He remained in China until traveling back to the United States this month.
"Retired U.S. Air Force Major Gerald Brown allegedly sold out his country to train Chinese pilots with his expertise in United States’ combat aircraft techniques. Brown’s alleged betrayal exposed sensitive military tactics, threatening the security of our nation, our armed forces, and our allies," said FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle in a news release. "May today’s arrest emphasize the FBI’s steadfast promise to defend the homeland against all foreign and domestic adversaries."
Top Stories:
Louisville’s 1st Black firefighters in the 1920s paved the way for generations
Oldham County school board approves 3% raise for employees for next school year
South Oldham cafeteria worker accused of attempting to sexually abuse 17-year-old
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
