Aussie helicopter ‘warned off’ by Chinese fighter

The Australian government says it has expressed its concerns to the Chinese government following what they say was an unsafe and unprofessional interaction between a People’s Liberation Army – Air Force (PLA-AF) fighter aircraft and an Australian helicopter.

FILE PHOTO: HMAS Hobart’s embarked MH-60R helicopter “Voodoo” returns to the ship during flying operations on her current deployment. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

According to the Australian government official statement, on Saturday 4 May 2024, HMAS Hobart was in international waters in the Yellow Sea undertaking routine activities as part of Operation Argos, Australia’s contribution to the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

“During these activities, a Royal Australian Navy MH-60R helicopter launched from HMAS Hobart was intercepted by a PLA-AF fighter aircraft,” the Australian government said in a press release.

“The PLA-AF aircraft released flares along the flight path of the Australian Defence Force helicopter.

“This was an unsafe manoeuvre which posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel.

“While there were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel or damaged caused to the MH-60R helicopter, the safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority.

“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a professional and safe manner.

“Defence has, for decades, undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace.”

 

 

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