A Chinese “Tourist” Illegally Photographed the B-2 Spirit at Whiteman AFB |
The United States Air Force’s Northrop B-2 Spirit long-range strategic bomber isn’t exactly a rare sight, as the aircraft regularly makes flyover appearances at major events—most notably at this month’s Rose Bowl football matchup in Southern California. However, it remains one of the US Air Force’s most sophisticated aircraft, which is why restrictions are in place on photography of it while it is on the ground at its home facility.
The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) last week charged Qilin Wu, a 35-year-old Chinese national, for photographing a B-2 on the ground at Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) in Missouri. According to the criminal complaint, on December 2, 2025, Wu was stopped at the perimeter of the military installation that houses the entire fleet of flying-wing bombers.
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) “investigated a report of a suspicious minivan bearing a Massachusetts license plate,” parked near the perimeter.
Wu claimed that he was observing the B-2, which isn’t uncommon or illegal. According to AFOSI, he was informed at the time that taking photographs or recording video was not permitted. However, AFOSI was........