Canadian Tourist Arrested Over Secretive Drone Snapshots At Us Military Hub

A 71-year-old Canadian tourist has been charged with violating the security of a sensitive US military installation by capturing photographs of classified areas using a drone. Xiao Guang Pan, visiting the United States on a tourist visa, conducted unauthorized drone flights over Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for three consecutive days in January 2024.

Court documents reveal that Pan’s drone targeted multiple restricted areas, including space launch complexes, military equipment storage facilities, and a submarine wharf. The images were captured at sites operated by defense contractors such as SpaceX, which maintains a significant presence at the base.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison for each count, with Pan scheduled to appear in federal court in Orlando on February 14 to determine suitable conditions for his release. During this time, Pan has informed the government about recent medical concerns that require prescription refills before March 11.

As commercially available drone technology becomes increasingly prevalent, incidents like this highlight the importance of understanding and respecting legal restrictions around sensitive military installations. Space Launch Delta 45, the unit responsible for managing military launch operations along the East Coast, is taking steps to address these issues.

The case may provide important precedent for future incidents involving unauthorized drone photography of restricted government facilities, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security as the use of drones in sensitive areas continues to pose a growing concern.