- Category
- Latest news
Chinese Warship Blinds German Recon Jet With Laser During EU Red Sea Mission
- Authors
![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Germany has formally accused China of endangering its personnel by targeting a German reconnaissance aircraft with a military-grade laser during an EU naval mission near Yemen, according to a statement issued by the Federal Foreign Office on July 8.
The incident occurred during Operation ASPIDES, the European Union’s maritime security mission in the Red Sea, which aims to protect international shipping from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Germany reported that the Chinese military directed a laser at a German-operated aircraft as it approached a Chinese frigate operating in the same area.
According to Spiegel, the aircraft, based in Djibouti, had been chartered specifically for the EU mission. Though flown by civilian pilots, the plane is equipped to carry up to four Bundeswehr soldiers.
The German Foreign Office stated that the Chinese crew failed to issue any prior warning via the standard emergency communication channel. The extent of any damage caused by the laser remains unconfirmed.
Berlin has labeled the incident a violation of international cooperation and summoned the Chinese ambassador for an explanation.
“The threat to German personnel and the disruption of the EU operation are entirely unacceptable,” the ministry stated on its official account on X (formerly Twitter).
Operation ASPIDES was launched by the EU in February 2024 to ensure the security of maritime traffic in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters.
The mission focuses on countering drone and missile attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which have intensified since late 2023. Germany currently contributes up to 700 personnel to the mission.
As of now, Beijing has not publicly commented on the German allegations.
Earlier in April 2025, Chinese military researchers claimed a major breakthrough in hypersonic weapons, unveiling a re-entry glide vehicle capable of global strikes within 30 minutes. Published in a state aerospace journal, the study described the potential for space-based missile launches and evasive hypersonic maneuvering—though it acknowledged vulnerabilities to infrared tracking and terminal-phase control limitations.
