Two Chinese SU-30 aircraft carried out what the U.S. military described on Thursday as an “unprofessional” intercept of a U.S. aircraft designed to detect radiation while it was flying in international airspace over the East China Sea.
“The issue is being addressed with China through appropriate diplomatic and military channels,” said Air Force spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Lori Hodge.
Hodge said the U.S. characterization of the incident was based on initial reports from the U.S. aircrew aboard the WC-135 Constant Phoenix aircraft “due to the maneuvers by the Chinese pilot, as well as the speeds and proximity of both aircraft.”
You've reached your daily free article limit.
Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.
Two Chinese SU-30 aircraft carried out what the U.S. military described on Thursday as an “unprofessional” intercept of a U.S. aircraft designed to detect radiation while it was flying in international airspace over the East China Sea.
“The issue is being addressed with China through appropriate diplomatic and military channels,” said Air Force spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Lori Hodge.
Hodge said the U.S. characterization of the incident was based on initial reports from the U.S. aircrew aboard the WC-135 Constant Phoenix aircraft “due to the maneuvers by the Chinese pilot, as well as the speeds and proximity of both aircraft.”
“Distances always have a bearing on how we characterize interactions,” Hodge said, adding a U.S. military investigation into the intercept was underway.
She said the WC-135 was carrying out a routine mission at the time and was operating in accordance with international law.
Read the whole story from Reuters.
Featured image courtesy of The Financial Express
Safeguarding U.S. Skies: Secretary Kendall’s Vision for a Modernized Air Force
Footage of ISIS Ambushing US Special Forces in Niger
Predator Down: The Reaper’s Rough Ride in Hostile Skies
Cyber Heist: Ukraine’s Blackjack Unmasks Moscow’s Military Secrets
Unconquerable Spirit: Inside the World of the Elite Marine Raiders
Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.
TRY 14 DAYS FREEAlready a subscriber? Log In
COMMENTS
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.