The F-35 is one of the most powerful fighter aircraft in the world. Developed by Lockheed Martin, they position the United States at the forefront of the arms race. Several models are manufactured for export to other countries. And this power has aroused mistrust in Beijing, and A Chinese family was tasked with spying on these planes. A curious story that revealed the Asian giant, the main opponent of the USA.
In 2018, the Wang couple and their son bought a hotel next to the Meiringen military aircraft runway in Switzerland. According to the Swiss Tages-Anzeiger, the Chinese family bought the hotel for 800,000 francs and set up shop in the picturesque town of Unterbäch. By the time, The Swiss government wanted to buy 35 F-35 aircraft to replace the aging F/A-18 Hornets. This gave them a great view from their hotel to spy on American fighter planes.
The F-35 program produces several variants of the aircraft, each tailored to the specific needs of the different branches of the participating military. It is known for its advanced technology and stealth capabilities, meaning it can evade enemy radars. Additionally, it is designed to perform a variety of missions including air superiority, ground attack and reconnaissance missions.
The Wangs, who worked for Chinese intelligence, did their best to remain unnoticed and take on the role of restaurateurs. But The Swiss Federal Intelligence Service monitored her for a year before arresting her. Authorities also discovered that the three did not have residency permits and that their “goal” was to guard the airport.
At the end of summer 2023, Swiss police arrested the couple. The alleged couple’s son denied the allegations, calling them “fake news” and emphasizing that the family intended to return to Switzerland and Rössli, according to a journalist from the Tages-Anzeiger.