A Chinese J-11 fighter jet flew within three metres of a US B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bomber

A J-11 fighter of the Chinese People's Liberation Army made a dangerous manoeuvre next to a US B-52H Stratofortress bomber. This was reported by the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

Here's What We Know

The incident took place on 24 October 2023 over the South China Sea. A Chinese aircraft attempted to intercept a B-52H Stratofortress and flew within three metres of the US nuclear bomber. INDOPACOM called the Chinese pilot's behaviour unsafe and unprofessional.

Such situations occur very often. The US Department of Defense report said that from autumn 2021 to autumn 2023, there were 180 cases of unprofessional and risky behaviour of Chinese aircraft in the sky. That's more than in the entire previous decade.

The published video shows a J-11 approaching a B-52H Stratofortress, disappearing for a moment and then reappearing. The incident was unique because the Chinese fighter performed an unsafe manoeuvre near the strategic aircraft, which can carry nuclear weapons.