Former Air Force Pilot Arrested for Alleged Espionage

Former Air Force pilot Gerald Brown arrested for allegedly providing unauthorized combat aircraft training to Chinese military pilots.

Arrest of Former Air Force Pilot for Alleged Espionage

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the arrest of Gerald Brown, a 65-year-old former Air Force fighter pilot, on Wednesday. Brown was apprehended in Indiana following his return from China, where he had been since December 2023.

Training Pilots Without Authorization

Brown is accused of conspiring with foreign nationals to provide combat aircraft training to Chinese military pilots without the necessary authorization from the U.S. State Department. The FBI and its partners have linked Brown's actions to a broader pattern of espionage and unauthorized military assistance, according to official statements.

Background on Gerald Brown

Gerald Brown served a 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force, including commanding sensitive units with nuclear weapons delivery responsibilities. He also led combat missions and instructed fighter pilots. After retiring from the military in 1996, Brown worked as a cargo pilot before taking up roles with defense contractors to train pilots on A-10 and F-35 fighter jets.

Espionage Charges

In August 2023, Brown allegedly began negotiations with Stephen Su Bin, a Chinese national who had previously served four years in the U.S. for espionage. In December 2023, Brown traveled to China to commence his training job. The FBI and its partners have emphasized that such actions by former military personnel are not only illegal but also pose significant risks to national security.

Official Statements

Roman Rozhavsky, from the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, stated, "The Chinese government continues to exploit the expertise of current and former members of the U.S. armed forces to modernize China's military capabilities." Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg added that this arrest serves as a warning that any collaboration with adversaries will be met with strict accountability measures.

Conclusion

The arrest of Gerald Brown marks a significant development in ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to counteract foreign espionage and unauthorized military training. The case underscores the risks posed by former military personnel collaborating with adversarial nations, especially those with advanced weaponry like the F-35 fighter jets.

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