USN shines a light on laser incident in Pacific
The US Navy claimed on 28 February that one of its maritime patrol aircraft has been targeted by a laser fired from a Chinese destroyer.
The incident on 17 February, involving a USN P-8A Poseidon and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 052D destroyer Hohhot, occurred while the aircraft was flying in airspace ‘above international waters approximately 380 miles [608km] west of Guam,’ the USN announced in a statement.
An onboard sensor on the P-8A picked up the sensor, which was invisible to the naked eye.
The USN protested that the action by Hohhot contravened the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), which ‘specifically addresses the use of lasers that could cause harm to personnel or damage to equipment’.
It also claimed that the destroyer’s actions were ‘inconsistent’ with an MoU between the US DoD and the Chinese ministry ‘regarding rules of behaviour for safety of air and maritime encounters’.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel]()
Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.
-
![Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy]()
Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy
The latest trials of Thales’ Lightweight Multirole Missile in two locations proved its effectiveness in combatting real-world uncrewed threats.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
