Chinese PLA-Air Force fighter aircraft fires flares in front of Australian Navy helicopter in the Yellow Sea off South Korea
A Chinese fighter aircraft has fired flares in front of an Australian navy helicopter in international waters in a move deemed as an ‘unsafe and unprofessional interaction’.
The near-catastrophic incident occurred on Saturday night during a routine operation in the Yellow Sea off South Korea when a Navy Seahawk was intercepted by a Chinese J10 Air Force jet.
HMAS Hobart was participating in the United Nations’ Operation Argos, as part of an international effort to enforce sanctions against North Korea.
It was during these activities that the MH-60R helicopter launched from HMAS Hobart but was then intercepted by China’s PLA-Air Force fighter aircraft.
A Chinese fighter aircraft has dropped flares in front of an Australian navy helicopter (pictured) in international waters on Saturday night
Flares were dropped about 300 metres in front of the Seahawk helicopter about 60 metres above it, according to the defence minister
Flares were released along the flight path of the Australian Defence Force helicopter, according to Defence Minister Richard Marles.
‘The PLA Air Force plane dropped flares about 300 metres in front of the Seahawk helicopter about 60 metres above it, requiring the helicopter to take evasive action in order to not be hit by those flares,’ he told 9News.
‘This was an incident which was both unsafe and unprofessional.
‘We will not be deterred from engaging in lawful activities and activities which are there to enforce UN sanctions in respect of North Korea.’
The ADF branded the incident ‘unacceptable’.
‘This was an unsafe manoeuvre, which posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,’ a department statement read.
‘While there were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel or damage caused to the MH-60R helicopter, the safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority.
‘Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a professional and safe manner.’
China’s aggression is worrying Australia and it’s allies, after a previous attack in the water off the coast of Japan.
In November, several Australian navy divers injured when a Chinese warship set off sonar pulses as HMAS Toowoomba operated in the South China Sea.
China’s aggression is worrying Australia and it’s allies, after a previous attack in the water off the coast of Japan
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