A former US Air Force pilot has been charged with helping train members of China’s military, in a case prosecutors say raises serious national security concerns. US authorities allege the former serviceman, who had more than two decades experience with sensitive military aircraft worked as a flight instructor, providing training to pilots from the People’s Liberation Army.

Prosecutors claim he passed on skills and techniques gained during his time flying nuclear delivery systems and aircraft, including advanced F-35 stealth jets. The charges, announced by the US Department of Justice, accuse the former pilot of violating export control laws designed to prevent sensitive military knowledge from being shared with foreign adversaries. Lee Russ, executive director of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Office of Special Project, said in the statement: “Providing US military training to our adversaries represents a significant threat to national security.”

Officials say such expertise could help improve the capabilities of China’s air force and undermine the technological advantage held by Western militaries.

The statement continues: “During his military career, Brown commanded sensitive units with responsibility for nuclear weapons delivery systems, led combat missions, and served as a fighter pilot instructor and simulator instructor on a variety of fighter and attack aircraft.”

Aviation analyst Peter Layton of the Griffith Asia Institute, a former Royal Australian Air Force officer, told CNN that China could have learned a range of things from Brown.

“If I was China, I would also be most interested in ‘nuclear weapons delivery systems’ and the tactics planned to deliver nuclear weapons,” Layton said.

The case is part of a wider effort by Washington to crack down on former military personnel accused of working with foreign powers.

US officials have warned that countries including China have actively sought to recruit Western-trained pilots, offering lucrative contracts to gain access to valuable operational experience.

Authorities argue that even classroom instruction can provide insight into combat tactics, aerial manoeuvres and operational procedures that could later be used against US or allied forces.

The former pilot now faces criminal charges and could receive a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

Prosecutors say the case sends a clear message that sharing military expertise with foreign governments without authorisation will not be tolerated.

Washington has repeatedly expressed concern over Beijing’s rapid military modernisation and efforts to expand its air and naval power.

US officials say protecting sensitive defence knowledge remains a top priority, warning that former personnel have a continuing obligation to safeguard the skills and information acquired during their service.