Man Accused of Flying Drone Over Military Base

A Chinese national has been arrested in California for allegedly violating national defense protocols by flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base.

At a Glance

Yinpiao Zhou was arrested for flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The drone flew for nearly an hour under base security detection.
Zhou was apprehended at the San Francisco International Airport.
The arrest highlights growing espionage concerns in Washington.

Allegations and Arrest

Yinpiao Zhou, residing in Brentwood, is facing allegations of flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base, a pivotal hub for U.S. defense activities. The authorities detected the drone with advanced base security systems, identifying it after it covered an altitude of nearly a mile. The drone activity lasted almost an hour, launching from nearby Ocean Beach Park.

Zhou was detained at San Francisco International Airport while preparing to board a flight to China. The arrest has prompted deep investigations over potential espionage motives given the strategic relevance of the base, which recently hosted significant military operations.

Chinese man arrested, accused of flying drone over and taking photos of Vandenberg Space Force Base
https://t.co/3z3H1KmzC5

— CBS Sacramento (@CBSSacramento) December 12, 2024

Recognizing Concerns

Despite Zhou’s detention, the incident reflects broader national security concerns. “The security of our nation is of paramount importance and my office will continue to promote the safety of our nation’s military personnel and facilities,” asserted United States Attorney Martin Estrada regarding the situation.

Alongside general illicit drone operations, there are rising concerns about international espionage activities targeting America’s critical installments. Questions about drone policies and tactics for potentially hacking the drone were found upon investigating Zhou’s cellphone, adding weight to these concerns.

The Path Forward

Zhou remains under federal custody and faces the potential of severe penalties if convicted, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Authorities are meticulously addressing the situation, with both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and National Security Division actively involved. The FBI remains engaged in probing potential espionage links.

This incident has emerged amidst heightened awareness over Chinese intelligence activities following various security breaches. These events present challenges and reinforce the criticality of safeguarding U.S. military operations against espionage threats.