Chinese National Charged After Illegally Photographing U.S. Stealth Bomber Base in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A Chinese national who illegally entered the United States in 2023 has been charged with photographing sensitive U.S. Air Force bases, including the highly classified B-2 Spirit stealth bomber facility at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Authorities arrested 35-year-old Qilin Wu last month after he was found in possession of numerous photos and videos of military equipment and installations.
Wu’s initial illegal entry occurred near the Arizona-Mexico border on June 22, 2023, where he was taken into custody by immigration officials. Due to a shortage of detention space, Wu was released with a removal hearing scheduled for 2027, according to court documents. However, his subsequent activities raised alarms among military and law enforcement personnel.
On December 2, 2025, patrol officers responded to reports of a suspicious minivan with Massachusetts license plates near the perimeter of Whiteman Air Force Base. The base is home to the United States’ fleet of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, a critical component of the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent due to its stealth and nuclear capabilities. Upon encountering Wu, officers informed him that photography and videography of the base were prohibited. Despite this warning, Wu returned the following day.
Authorities arrested Wu after discovering 18 photographs and videos on his phone depicting the base’s perimeter fencing, gates, and military hardware. Wu admitted to taking images of another U.S. Air Force base, though officials have not disclosed the location of this second facility. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office confirmed Wu faces federal charges for unauthorized photography of a vital military installation.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about national security vulnerabilities related to illegal border crossings and espionage activities. According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, illegal entries along the southern border have surged in recent years, prompting heightened scrutiny from federal agencies. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency continues to investigate potential links between such incidents and foreign intelligence operations.
Experts emphasize the sensitivity of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber program, which remains one of the most guarded assets in the U.S. military arsenal. The U.S. Air Force highlights the aircraft’s unique ability to penetrate sophisticated enemy defenses, making any unauthorized surveillance a serious threat.
Wu’s arrest and charges come amid broader national security concerns about foreign espionage and the protection of military installations. The Department of Defense and federal law enforcement agencies maintain strict protocols to safeguard classified information and critical infrastructure.
If convicted, Wu could face significant penalties under federal law. The case is being prosecuted in the Western District of Missouri, where authorities continue to work closely with military and intelligence officials to assess the full scope of the incident.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by U.S. agencies in securing the nation’s borders and protecting its most sensitive defense assets from foreign threats.
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