Chinese nationals arrested for photographing Greek Rafale base

Greek authorities have arrested four Chinese nationals suspected of photographing sensitive military installations near the Tanagra Air Base. Located outside Athens, this facility is home to the Hellenic Air Force’s fleet of Rafale fighter jets and the headquarters of the 114th Combat Wing.

Suspicious behavior near a sensitive site

The group, consisting of a 47-year-old couple, their 15-year-old son, and a 53-year-old man, was first noticed by security personnel from the neighboring Hellenic Aerospace Industries (HAI) facility. After being asked to leave the area, they continued photographing the base from a nearby bridge, which prompted the intervention of Hellenic Air Force police.

The individuals were detained and taken to a local police station, where they claimed to be tourists, unaware that they were near a restricted military zone. However, authorities reportedly found numerous photographs of Rafale jets and base infrastructure on their devices, raising suspicions of espionage.

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The case quickly attracted the attention of Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP), which opened an investigation. The four were scheduled to appear before a prosecutor on July 10, 2025, and officials are assessing whether the incident was an isolated act or part of a broader intelligence-gathering operation.

Echoes of a similar case in Switzerland

This is not the first time Chinese nationals have drawn suspicion near European military sites. In May 2024, a case was reported in Switzerland where a Chinese family acquired the Rössli Hotel overlooking Meiringen Air Base, just as Switzerland was evaluating the F-35 fighter jet. 

The Swiss intelligence service opened an investigation amid concerns raised by the US. While no espionage charges were filed, authorities uncovered illegal residency, unlicensed business operations, and links between the family and China’s diplomatic network. The hotel was eventually vacated, and the family left the country after being fined for immigration and labor violations.The post Chinese nationals arrested for photographing Greek Rafale base appeared first on AeroTime.

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