Former US Air Force Major Gerald Brown, 65, was arrested on 25/2 in Jeffersonville, Indiana, on charges of unlawfully providing defense services to Chinese military pilots. The US Department of Justice announced the arrest, stating Brown violated the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) by conspiring to train Chinese fighter pilots without proper authorization.

According to the indictment, Brown initiated plans in 8/2023 with US and foreign accomplices to provide unauthorized training to Chinese fighter pilots. This training lacked the required license from the US State Department. Brown traveled to China in 12/2023 to commence the training, remaining there until his return to the US early this month.

Brown is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court for the Southern District of Indiana on 26/2.

Former Major Gerald Brown. *Photo: Clark County Police*

Roman Rozhavsky, head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) intelligence and counterintelligence division, strongly condemned Brown's actions. He described Brown as having committed "treason" by training Chinese pilots to "confront those he swore to protect."

Rozhavsky emphasized that Brown's arrest serves as a warning: the FBI and its partner agencies will pursue prosecution against individuals who collaborate with US adversaries, thereby jeopardizing American service members and national security. He further accused China of "exploiting the expertise of US soldiers and veterans to modernize its military capabilities."

Chinese officials have not yet commented on the allegations.

Brown served 24 years in the US Air Force, retiring in 1996. His career included commanding nuclear-capable systems units and combat missions. He also trained pilots for F-4, F-15, and F-16 fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft, and provided F-35 operational simulation training.

This incident follows a similar case involving Daniel Duggan, a former US Marine pilot. Duggan was arrested in Australia in 10/2022 on charges of training Chinese pilots in carrier takeoff and landing tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)