Germany Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Laser Incident
Germany has called in the Chinese ambassador to express strong discontent after an incident involving a Chinese warship, which allegedly fired laser weapons at German aircraft during a European Union military operation.
Various countries are actively working on experimental laser technologies, which are seen as cost-effective solutions for non-physical anti-aircraft measures. These technologies aim to blind military aircraft and target drones and missiles. In this instance, Germany claims that such a device was used against one of its surveillance planes while it was operating over the Red Sea, prompting a formal diplomatic protest against Beijing.
The German Foreign Ministry stated that “Chinese military employed lasers,” which endangers both aircraft and crew members. The Ministry’s strong words underlined that it is “completely unacceptable” to jeopardize German personnel and disrupt their operations.
The aircraft in question, operated by civilians, was part of a defense contractor’s program. It was conducting surveillance alongside a German military team in the Red Sea as part of the EU mission aimed at safeguarding civilian transport from missile threats posed by Houthi forces. The EU emphasized that it had not participated in any US-led attacks against Iranian-backed Houthis.
Following the laser incident, the aircraft returned to base in the Middle East out of caution. According to Der Spiegel, there could be potential damage to the aircraft’s sensitive systems, but as of now, it remains “unknown” and “under investigation.”
A spokesperson from Germany noted that the laser attack occurred during routine operations as “Chinese warships were already present in the region, without reason or prior contact.” They further indicated that “the warships accepted the risk” of endangering people and equipment by such actions.
This isn’t the first altercation for the German military during its EU mission in the Red Sea. Last year, the frigate Hessen experienced a miscommunication issue with US forces, where two missiles mistakenly targeted a US drone. Fortunately, both missiles fell harmlessly into the sea, reigniting debates about Germany’s military capabilities.
The field of laser air defense is becoming increasingly vital as military technologies evolve, particularly highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The cost-effective nature of lasers compared to conventional interceptors is striking. For instance, firing a laser may only cost about $10, a fraction of the expense involved in using conventional missiles that can run into millions.
The US military has been testing laser air defense systems for several years, as shown by reports of recent successful tests aboard ships like the USS Preble, which utilized high-energy lasers to counter threats. Meanwhile, Israel has also reported the use of laser technology against enemy aircraft, and the UK plans to deploy experimental lasers in Ukraine for further testing.
