The United States Department of Justice has announced the arrest of a former US Air Force pilot accused of providing unauthorized training to Chinese military personnel. The accused, Gerald Brown, is 65 years old and retired from the Air Force in 1996 after serving for 24 years.
According to officials, Brown had experience commanding sensitive units and training pilots on fighter and attack aircraft during his military career. Authorities claim that in 2023 he negotiated a contract with a Chinese national identified as Stephen Su Bin. Investigators say Brown traveled to China in December 2023 to begin training Chinese pilots.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation stated that such actions could strengthen China’s military capabilities. Officials warned that sharing defense knowledge without approval may violate US laws designed to protect national security. Former military personnel are required to follow strict rules regarding foreign work, especially when it involves sensitive information.
US authorities view the case as part of wider concerns about espionage and the transfer of military expertise to rival nations. Over the past few years, Washington has increased monitoring of former service members who work overseas in defense related roles.
The investigation is ongoing, and Brown will face legal proceedings in federal court. If convicted, he could face serious penalties under US law. The case highlights the importance of protecting military knowledge and enforcing national security regulations.
