On May 6, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles announced that Chinese J-10 fighter jets had dropped heat traps in the Yellow Sea, endangering Australian helicopters flying in international waters. A Seahawk helicopter from the Australian navy encountered a Chinese J-10 fighter while monitoring UN sanctions against North Korea. The Chinese fighter dropped a heat trap in front of the helicopter, prompting evasive action from the pilot. Despite no casualties or damage in the incident, it could have had serious consequences if the heat trap had hit the helicopter.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanded an explanation from China regarding the incident, calling it “unsafe and unprofessional.” This is the most significant incident between Australian and Chinese forces since their previous encounter in the Sea of Japan. Despite previous efforts to improve bilateral relations, this incident has strained the relationship between Australia and China.
The J-10 fighter was developed in 1988 and has been in service with the Chinese Air Force since 2005. It has undergone upgrades over time, with the latest variant being launched in 2018. Equipped with advanced capabilities and weaponry, it poses a significant threat to military encounters like this one in