Chinese Fighter Accused of Intercepting, Releasing Debris Into Australian P-8’s Engines

A Chinese fighter jet "cut across the nose" of an Australian P-8 surveillance aircraft and released chaff, which was sucked into its engines, according to Australian defense officials.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, June 07, 2022 at 03:37 PM ET

Verified

On May 26, a Chinese jet flew in front of a Royal Australian Air Force P-8 Poseidon, similar to this one, and released a bundle of chaff, according to officials. [Courtesy: Royal Australian Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

A Chinese J-16 fighter jet dangerously intercepted an Australian P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea, releasing chaff into its engines, leading to mutual accusations of unsafe or illegal conduct.
This incident is part of a pattern, following similar "unprofessional and provocative" close encounters between Chinese and Canadian military aircraft operating in the region, forcing them to take evasive action.
Australia and Canada condemn China's actions as posing safety threats and violating international air safety norms, while China defends its interceptions as lawful responses to perceived threats to its sovereignty.

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A Chinese fighter jeopardized crew safety of a Royal Australian Air Force P-8 Poseidon aircraft late last month when it intercepted the airplane and released debris into its engines while it conducted a routine surveillance flight over the South China Sea, according to Australian defense officials.

News of the incident sparked sharp words and accusations from defense officials in both countries, and comes close on the heels of a separate incident involving Chinese and Canadian military aircraft.