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‘Unsafe’: China blasted for flare stunt on ADF

A Chinese fighter aircraft has dropped flares in front of an Australian navy helicopter in international waters.

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A 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”.

HMAS Hobart was in the Yellow Sea on Saturday as part of Operation Argos — Australia’s contribution to the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

It was during these activities that the MH-60R helicopter launched from HMAS Hobart but was then intercepted by China’s PLA-AF fighter aircraft.

The ADF said it was an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction” from China. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
The ADF said it was an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction” from China. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Flares were released along the flight path of the Australian Defence Force helicopter, the federal government said.

“This was an unsafe manoeuvre, which posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” the ADF said in a statement on Monday.

“While there were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel or damage 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.”

Originally published as ‘Unsafe’: China blasted for flare stunt on ADF

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/unsafe-china-blasted-for-flare-stunt-on-adf/news-story/104ea7efa6c0316b9ad0d5c81d73811a