(ETH) – In a disturbing report from Yahoo, A Chinese destroyer reportedly used a weapons-grade laser to target a US Navy P-8A surveillance aircraft while flying above the Pacific last week, This news according to the US Pacific Fleet.
In a recent statement, the US has accused the People’s Liberation Army Navy destroyer of “unsafe and unprofessional” actions over the incident, that occurred about 380 miles from Guam, where the US has a large military presence. A Pacific Fleet spokeswoman told Insider that the laser appeared to be part of the destroyer’s close-in weapon system “The laser, which was not visible to the naked eye, was captured by a sensor onboard the P-8A,” Pacific Fleet said.
“Weapons-grade lasers could potentially cause serious harm to aircrew and mariners, as well as ship and aircraft systems.” The Chinese destroyer, hull No. 161, appears to have been the Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyer Hohot. This Chinese warship has been accused of violating international rules and regulations, including agreements on conduct at sea, by targeting the aircraft, which was operating in the airspace above international waters, with a laser.
