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. Air Force B-52 bomber, flying within 10 feet over the South China Sea in international airspace.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command stated the PRC pilot demonstrated poor airmanship, closing with excessive speed and putting both aircraft in danger of collision.
This incident is part of a documented pattern of over 180 "coercive and risky" air intercepts by China against U.S. aircraft since late 2021, and approximately 100 against U.S. allies and partners.
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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