China's military engaged in 'unsafe and unprofessional' conduct by firing flares in front of an Australian helicopter taking part in an international mission.
A Chinese warplane fired flares in front of an Australian military chopper, with the incident labelled "unsafe and unprofessional". Defence Minister Richard Marles said an Australian Seahawk helicopter was forced to take "evasive action" to prevent being hit by flares launched by a J-10 Chinese Air Force plane. The flares were dropped about 300 meters in front of the chopper and about 60 meters above it.
The navy aircraft was taking a routine flight and operating from HMAS Hobart as part of an international effort to enforce UN sanctions on North Korea when the incident took place about 7.30pm last Saturday. "This is a very serious incident," Marles said. "It was unsafe and it is completely unacceptable. "The consequence of being hit by the flares would have been significant." Marles said the helicopter was unaffected and all the crew were safe.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Unsafe and unprofessional’: Australian Navy helicopter involved in near miss with Chinese fighter jetA Chinese fighter jet dropped flares in front of an Australian Navy helicopter in international waters, in an incident Defence Minister Richard Marles condemned as “unacceptable”.
Read more »
‘Unsafe and unprofessional’: Australian Navy helicopter involved in near miss with Chinese fighter jetA Chinese jet fighter dropped flares in front of an Australian Navy helicopter in international waters, in an incident Defence Minister Richard Marles condemned as “unacceptable”.
Read more »
‘Unsafe’: China’s flare stunt on ADFA Chinese fighter aircraft has dropped flares in front of an Australian navy helicopter in international waters, in a move deemed an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction”.
Read more »
Australia's navy chief confronts Chinese counterpart over 'unsafe' sonar attack against HMAS ToowoombaThe chief of navy uses a rare face-to-face meeting with his counterpart in China to warn against continuing unsafe behaviour by the People's Liberation Army-Navy in contested international waters near Australia.
Read more »
Chinese jet drops flares in front of Australian Navy helicopter above international watersCanberra has formally voiced its concerns to Beijing, after quick-thinking actions of the Australian pilot prevented a disaster.
Read more »
Canberra accuses Chinese fighter jet of dropping flares dangerously close to Australian helicopterDefence minister Richard Marles says protests made to Beijing over ‘unacceptable’ altercation that forced pilot on UN mission to avoid being hit
Read more »