A Chinese fighter jet fired flares in front of an Australian navy helicopter in international waters, in a move seen as an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction”.
The near-catastrophic incident occurred Saturday night during a routine operation in the Yellow Sea off South Korea when a Navy Seahawk was intercepted by a Chinese Air Force J10 aircraft.
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 took off from HMAS Hobart but was then intercepted by a Chinese PLA Air Force fighter jet.
A Chinese fighter jet dropped flares in front of an Australian navy helicopter (pictured) in international waters on Saturday night.
According to the Minister of Defense, flares were launched about 300 meters in front of the Seahawk helicopter and about 60 meters above it.
Flares were launched along the flight path of the Australian Defense Force helicopter, according to Defense Minister Richard Marles.
“The PLA Air Force aircraft dropped flares about 300 meters in front of the Seahawk helicopter, about 60 meters above it, forcing the helicopter to take evasive measures to avoid being hit by those flares,” he said. 9News.
‘This was an incident that was both unsafe and unprofessional.
“We will not be deterred from engaging in lawful activities and activities that are there to enforce U.N. sanctions regarding North Korea.”
The ADF called the incident “unacceptable.”
“This was an unsafe maneuver, which posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” reads a statement from the department.
‘While there were no injuries to ADF personnel or damage caused to the MH-60R helicopter, the safety and well-being of our ADF personnel remains our top priority.
“Australia hopes that all countries, including China, will operate their militaries professionally and safely.”
China’s aggression worries Australia and its allies, after an earlier attack in waters off the coast of Japan.
In November, several Australian navy divers were injured when a Chinese warship activated sonar pulses while the HMAS Toowoomba was operating in the South China Sea.
China’s aggression worries Australia and its allies, following an earlier attack in waters off the coast of Japan.