While conducting a flight off the coast of Yemen, a German surveillance aircraft was targeted with a laser from a Chinese Navy warship, prompting immediate complaints from the German Federal Foreign Office due to the dangerous nature of the incident. According to official reports, the aircraft was flying over the region as part of the European Union’s Operation ASPIDES, which aims to protect international shipping routes in the Red Sea from attacks by Houthi rebels supporting the terrorist group Hamas.
In an official statement shared on German government social media channels on July 8, it was declared: “The Chinese military used a laser to target a German aircraft participating in the EU’s ASPIDES operation. Endangering German personnel and disrupting the operation is completely unacceptable. The Chinese ambassador was summoned today to the Federal Foreign Office.”
Further details reported by German media indicated that the aircraft was a Beechcraft King Air 350 equipped with special sensors, operated by a contractor alongside four members of the German Armed Forces. The incident reportedly occurred on July 2, when the aircraft was flying off the coast of Yemen after departing from an airstrip in Djibouti.
During its mission, the aircraft had detected the presence of a Chinese frigate—whose name remains undisclosed—several times in its operational area. However, no prior radio communication or warnings were reported before the dangerous maneuver took place. Following the incident, the German aircraft was forced to return to its base in Djibouti, due to concerns that the laser could compromise the aircraft’s systems or impair the pilots’ vision.
It remains unclear what type of laser was used by the Chinese vessel or whether it was powerful enough to cause physical damage, which is currently being assessed. However, its use appears to violate the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), which outlines how laser systems can pose a threat to the safety of platforms and crews. The code differentiates between lasers used merely to obscure a pilot’s vision, those capable of disrupting aircraft systems, and those powerful enough to damage or destroy an airframe.
Despite the incident, the German Foreign Office confirmed that surveillance flights have resumed in support of Operation ASPIDES. Germany’s participation in the operation includes the deployment of approximately 700 personnel and warships, which have contributed to intercepting drones and missiles launched by Houthi forces. Meanwhile, China has also increased its activity in the region as part of its broader pursuit of maritime influence, deploying naval vessels in the Red Sea while its diplomats engage in talks with the rebel group to avoid becoming a target. Additionally, the People’s Liberation Army has maintained a military base in Djibouti since 2008.
*Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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