Chinese using lasers against US Plane in South China Sea

[moose1am]

What should the USA do to retaliate against China when their navy shoots laser beams at the US Patrol Aircraft when they are flying over international waters in the South China Sea. I read today where a Chinese destroyer fired a weapon-grade laser beam at one of the USA patrol aircraft.

I read in the past that the Chinese did the same thing to our aircraft that were flying near a Chinese airbase in Africa.

I think we need to destroy any lasers that are fired at US military assets. These are acts of war IMHO>

[Skybird]

If it was just a sensor-grade laser, nothing. If it was a weapon-grade laser, firing back a missile or two until the laser stops emitting, sounds like a valid option to me. The risk is evident, however. But that is true for the Chinese provocation as well.

[Jimbuna]

If it was just a sensor-grade laser, nothing. If it was a weapon-grade laser, firing back a missile or two until the laser stops emitting, sounds like a valid option to me. The risk is evident, however. But that is true for the Chinese provocation as well.

Agreed :yep:

[August]

If it was just a sensor-grade laser, nothing. If it was a weapon-grade laser, firing back a missile or two until the laser stops emitting, sounds like a valid option to me. The risk is evident, however. But that is true for the Chinese provocation as well.


You know there seems to be a deliberate slant to the reporting to make it sound like it was indeed a laser weapon but if you wade through the details it becomes apparent that this was some sort of targeting laser.

It was fired at an unarmored surveillance aircraft yet it caused no damage beyond hurt feelings, and the crew needed sensors to even detect it's presence. Not a very effective weapon if it was that.

[Skybird]

Then it compares to using firing radar. Happens all the day, and everybody does it to chicken out the other.



Showing a weapon and trimming it is not yet an act of war, but could be the prelude to one. But it is a threat. Your choice how to react.

[Jeff-Groves]

It was just a scan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWBmaKk32fE