Chinese Grad Student Jailed for Drone Photography of US Naval Shipyard

A University of agricultural engineering grad student from has been sentenced to six months in prison for illegally flying a drone over a sensitive U.S. naval shipbuilding base in . The incident, reported by the Star Tribune, highlights growing concerns about drone use near critical infrastructure.

The Drone Flight and Arrest

Fengyun Shi, 26, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts related to unauthorized drone photography of a designated installation. On January 6, Shi flew his recently purchased drone over the Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) facility in Norfolk, capturing photos of the highly secure site.

The drone got stuck in a tree, leading to involvement. Instead of seeking help as instructed, Shi fled the area, eventually attempting to leave the country before being arrested on January 18.

Sensitive Nature of the Target

The NNS facility builds and maintains critical naval assets, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and nuclear-powered vessels. Joshua Quitaro, the shipyard’s security manager, emphasized the classified nature of much of the work, stating it ranges “all the way to Top Secret.” He noted this was the first known incident of unauthorized drone photography at the site.

Legal Implications

Shi was charged under a World War II-era statute that’s part of the Espionage Act. His lawyer argued the incident was accidental, claiming Shi was unaware of the law and “believes it is cool and interesting to take pictures with different views.”

Broader Context

This case comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China over surveillance concerns. It follows a high-profile incident earlier in 2023 involving a suspected Chinese spy balloon that traversed much of the before being shot down.

DroneXL’s Take

This incident underscores the critical importance of drone education and awareness of airspace regulations. As becomes more accessible, it’s crucial for operators to understand the and security implications of flying near sensitive sites. Recent DroneXL coverage has highlighted the need for clear guidelines and public campaigns to prevent similar incidents. Responsible drone use is key to maintaining the industry’s positive momentum while addressing valid security concerns.

What are your thoughts on this case? Should there be stricter regulations for drone use near sensitive facilities, or is better education the answer? Share your opinion in the comments below.

Illustration is for illustration purposes only.


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Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo 是以下网站的创始人和主编 DroneXL.co在这里,他报道所有与无人机相关的新闻、大疆创新公司的传言并撰写无人机评论,以及 EVXL.co的所有与电动汽车有关的新闻。他还是 PiXL 无人机表演 YouTube 和其他播客平台。您可以通过以下方式联系 Haye:haye @ dronexl.co 或 @hayekesteloo.

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一条评论

  1. No to further government regulation. Yes to drone operators obeying the current laws and regulations.
    Yes to Chinese spies going to jail when caught.

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