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US warns China after lasers injure American pilots in Africa
The United States has issued a formal warning to China after personnel at the Asian country's military base in Djibouti used lasers to interfere with U.S. military aircraft, minorly injuring two pilots, according to the Pentagon.
Top Defense Department spokeswoman Dana White told reporters Thursday that the U.S. is confident the Chinese are behind the "very serious incidents," which have increased in the past few weeks.
"There have been two minor injuries. This activity poses a true threat to our airmen. We have formally demarched the Chinese government. And we've requested that that Chinese investigate these incidents," White said during a Pentagon briefing.
The U.S. government, meanwhile, has warned airmen to be cautious when flying in certain areas in Djibouti, in Africa, due to the recent incidents.
Also at CNN.
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(Score: 2) by DannyB on Friday May 04 2018, @06:11PM (3 children)
Instead of counter measures, I wonder if it is technically possible for the US to engage in the same kind of laser blinding against Chinese aircraft?
It would require a budget, and laser pointers from a contractor at $50,000 per unit. But it could be done, I think.
The lower I set my standards the more accomplishments I have.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by JNCF on Friday May 04 2018, @07:24PM
"Now remember children, the age of human flight began in 1903 and ended in 2018, which was the start of Cold War II, also known as The Laser War."
(Score: 3, Funny) by RS3 on Friday May 04 2018, @10:24PM
I think the US should use Chinese-made laser pointers.
(Score: 2) by requerdanos on Friday May 04 2018, @10:52PM
As it happens, I have a good supply of high-quality military grade laser pointers [dollartree.com] that I will sell the armed forces for *half* your quoted price.
They are highly portable and feature replaceable power supply units.
At this price, I will also train up to twenty instructors in their use, that the instructors might train the troops.