 "Representational image of a US marines pilot of an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet getting into the cockpit (AFP)")
A former US fighter pilot, who once flew and instructed on one of America’s most advanced stealth aircraft, has been arrested and accused of secretly training Chinese military pilots.
US authorities identified the accused as Gerald Brown, a former US Air Force major and instructor pilot for the F-35 Lightning II. He was arrested in Indiana and charged with providing defence services to Chinese pilots without official authorisation, according to the US Department of Justice.
Accused of betraying his country
Brown, 65, had decades of military experience and was considered an “elite fighter pilot.” Officials say his knowledge and skills made him a valuable target for foreign military recruitment.
Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director at the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, said Brown “allegedly betrayed his country by training Chinese pilots to fight against those he swore to protect.”
Rozhavsky added, “The Chinese government continues to exploit the expertise of current and former members of the US armed forces to modernise China’s military capabilities. This arrest serves as a warning.”
US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro also issued a strong warning, saying Brown “and anyone conspiring against our Nation” would be held accountable.
According to prosecutors, Brown served 24 years in the Air Force, leading combat missions and commanding sensitive units, including those connected to nuclear weapons delivery systems.
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Authorities allege Brown travelled to China in December 2023 and remained there until early February 2026, training military pilots as part of a contract negotiated through intermediaries.
The case triggers broader concerns among Western governments that China is actively recruiting former military personnel to strengthen its air force capabilities. In 2024, the US and its allies issued warnings that China was targeting Western military talent to gain critical operational insights.
Officials said such recruitment efforts pose risks not only to national security but also to allied defence systems, as trained personnel carry sensitive tactical knowledge. Brown now faces serious criminal charges, and if convicted, could face lengthy prison time.