Chinese Espionage at Tanagra Air Force Base, Greece

Colin Cooke Photo

July 9, 2025, Tanagra, Greece

The 114th Combat Wing Air Force Police detained and questioned four Chinese nationals (A husband and wife - both age 47. Their 15 year old son, and a 53 year old male) before turning them over to local police.

The group were taking pictures of the Tanagra Air Force base facilities and fighter aircraft in Tanagra, north Attica. Tanagra is a large military airfield and home to the 114th Combat Wing of the Hellenic Air Force. It lies about one hour north of Athens (68km). The base hosts advanced NATO aircraft (Rafale) and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) production and maintenance facilities. The base also has an annual air show. The HAI facilities are located in a separate area of the base, southwest of the runways.

The four individuals claimed to be tourists. The individuals were initially confronted by Hellenic Aerospace Industry security officers and instructed to stop taking pictures and leave the area. Instead, the suspects relocated to a nearby bridge and continued to take photographs. Hellenic Air Force Police ten responded. They questioned the individuals and then turned them over to the local police for detention. The Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP) is engaged.

Suspicious Activity

1. The individuals were told to stop filming and did not. They instead relocated and continued.

2. The individuals photographed Raphael aircraft and HAI facilities. The HAI production and maintenance facilities are located more than 1/2 mile from the aircraft flightline.

3. Greek authorities noted that "the group were in possession of a significant amount of photographic material from the area."

4. Some media reports state that the group had "long range photographic equipment".

5. Media reports state that group members were attempting to upload the photos to servers.

Greek Government Concerns

1. During the hot summer, HAI facilities leave their hanger doors open. Photographing inside those facilities could reveal details of aircraft production, maintenance operations, aircraft components, facility vulnerabilities, security systems, and even the ability to determine operational capabilities. **

2. In the aftermath of the India-Pakistan military exchange, Chinese embassies launched a disinformation campaign against Rafale fighter jets. The objectives are to undermine international sales of the advanced planes in favor of China's own fighters. The campaign includes country and industry visits by China's Defense Attaches, social media posts, AI-generated content, manipulated imagery of fake Rafale debris, and video game simulations portrayed as real combat footage.

** Greek officials noted the vulnerability of open hanger doors with the implication that the photographs contained those images.