Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dubbed China's laser attack on an Australian surveillance aircraft as "reckless" and an "act of intimidation", as he calls for an explanation from Beijing.
Chinese military professional Song Zhongping said the incident was almost certainly the fault of the RAAF P-8A Poseidon because it conducted a close-in reconnaissance on the warships.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has condemned China for the act, claiming it was “reckless and irresponsible” and that the nation is raising the issue directly with diplomatic and defence channels.
Along with the US Air Force, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai), the counterparts engaged in a range of drills aimed at enhancing their collective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities.
Air Fab will build 22 work stands that will allow US technicians to safely conduct fuselage inspections on its P-8A Poseidons without overextending themselves.
AIRMSHL Hupfeld said the recent criticism was “completely unfounded” and insisted the reduction in time in the sky was actually due to “training and capability requirements”