Chinese ship attacks RAAF Poseidon in Torres Strait

Defence has confirmed that a P-8A Poseidon detected a laser illuminating the aircraft while in flight over Australia’s northern approaches.

The laser was detected as emanating from a People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) vessel.

Illumination of the aircraft by the Chinese vessel is a serious safety incident.

The laser attack happened two days ago on 17 February 2022.

Defence said in an official statement that they strongly condemn unprofessional and unsafe military conduct.

“These actions could have endangered the safety and lives of the ADF personnel,” a Defence spokesperson said.

“Such actions are not in keeping with the standards we expect of professional militaries.”

The vessel, in company with a second PLA-N ship, was sailing east through the Arafura Sea at the time of the incident.

Both ships have since transited through the Torres Strait and are currently in the Coral Sea.


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Posted by Brian Hartigan

Managing Editor Contact Publishing Pty Ltd PO Box 3091 Minnamurra NSW 2533 AUSTRALIA

6 thoughts on “Chinese ship attacks RAAF Poseidon in Torres Strait

  • 21/02/2022 at 12:27 pm
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    As ex RAAF I believe that it was simply a “quid pro quo”: if they had really intended damage it would have occurred. Nevertheless, they were provocative being an area where surveillance could be expected.

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  • 21/02/2022 at 7:11 am
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    Well, tough Government what are you going to do about it ?? Nothing as usual.

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  • 21/02/2022 at 4:06 am
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    Can I be the Devil’s Advocate here? What were our aircraft doing at the time were we conducting surveillance of the Chinese ship? Just sayin’.

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  • 20/02/2022 at 12:45 pm
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    The Chinese know that always pushing gains them face.
    Maybe we should claim the Arafura Sea and act like they do in the South China Sea.

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  • 20/02/2022 at 11:17 am
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    Just what is expected from the Chinese and their attitude towards others. They have very little respect for the rights and safety of other citizens out side their control. What would have been their reaction if the roles were reversed and our Air Force Personnel had highlighted their ship, paining it with a laser. The Chinese Government would have been in hysteric over it.

    May be Australia should be come more aggressive with their Patrols and enforcing our countries security.

    Reply

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