The pilot of a People's Republic of China Shenyang J-11 fighter jet intercepted a U.S. Air Force B-52 on Tuesday, flying within 10 feet of the bomber. [Screenshot: U.S. Indo-Pacific Command]
Key Takeaways:
A Chinese J-11 fighter jet conducted an "unsafe and unprofessional" intercept of a U.S. B-52 bomber over the South China Sea, flying within 10 feet and dangerously close to the U.S. aircraft.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) stated the Chinese pilot demonstrated "poor airmanship," putting both aircraft at risk during the B-52's routine and lawful operations.
This incident aligns with a broader pattern, with the U.S. documenting over 180 instances of coercive and risky air intercepts by China against U.S. aircraft and approximately 100 against allies/partners since late 2021.
The pilot of a People’s Republic of China Shenyang J-11 fighter jet conducted an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress on Tuesday, flying within 10 feet of the bomber, according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).
During the nighttime intercept, the B-52 was conducting routine and lawful operations over the South China Sea in international airspace.
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