Gerald B., a former elite U.S. military pilot, was arrested in Indiana for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without the required government authorization.

FBI counterintelligence officials describe the arrest as a warning to former service members who would collaborate with adversaries, underscoring a commitment to accountability and security.

A former U.S. Air Force veteran with 24 years of service and experience training pilots for the A-10 and F-35 is accused of traveling to China late last year to initiate a training arrangement with Chinese pilots.

The case ties to earlier episodes of Chinese intelligence activity, including the 2016 case involving Stephen Su Bin and similar prosecutions like Daniel Duggan, who were linked to aiding China’s aviation interests.

Officials suggest the arrest could influence allied nations such as the U.K., Canada, and Australia by raising concerns about loyalty and security of ex-military personnel with access to sensitive information.

Authorities emphasize that foreign exploitation of U.S. military expertise to bolster China’s capabilities poses clear national security risks and represents a broader federal effort to curb such help.

Agents warn that the Chinese government seeks to leverage U.S. military know-how to modernize its forces, and investigations stress protecting national security.

The defendant is expected to appear in federal court soon, with no public indication of additional targets at this time.

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There is a broader pattern of heightened scrutiny over post-service employment, with warnings that foreign training contracts can carry criminal liability without proper authorization.

Reactions from the FBI, U.S. prosecutors, and aviation analyst Peter Layton highlight potential implications for allies and raise questions about Pentagon procedures.

Prosecution is led by the DOJ’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, supported by multiple FBI field offices and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.