Non-lethal tool: China's BOHR uses a laser for the first time
Chinese ship "5205" crosses the course of the Philippine. Frame from video from BOHR Philippines / NBC
Disputes continue between several countries about the ownership of the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea. A few days ago, another confrontation between the ships of China and the Philippines took place in the area of the islands, which received an unexpected development. After the maneuvers and the exchange of warnings, the Chinese sailors used a laser against the Filipinos. This incident naturally attracted attention, although all its circumstances remain unknown.
laser incident
About the incident with the laser weapons became known on February 13 from an official message from the Coast Guard of the Republic of the Philippines. At the same time, the events themselves occurred a week earlier - on February 6. The Philippine side revealed its point of view and accused the Chinese sailors of violating the rules and customs.
It should be recalled that since 1999, an outpost of the Philippine army has been operating in the Ayungin shoal area of the South China Sea - the old ship BRP Sierra Madre, specially grounded. It has a small garrison on duty and monitoring the surrounding water area.
On February 6, the ship of the Philippine BOHR BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) was heading to the Sierra Madre with a new change of personnel and a supply of food. On the approach to the shoal, the ship's crew noticed an approaching ship of the Chinese coast guard with tail number "5205". The ship was approaching and was going to prevent the Filipinos from completing their task.
The beginning of the attack, the included laser is visible. Frame from video from BOHR Philippines / NBC
The ship "5205" went across the Malapascua, but remained at a considerable distance. Then, a characteristic green beam stretched from the side of the Chinese ship to the Philippine one. The Filipinos were able to capture the moment of this attack on video. A short video was published and quickly spread through foreign media. In it you can see how the enemy is “highlighted” from a Chinese ship. At the same time, it is not possible to maintain the aiming, and the beam randomly moves in different directions. Several times he even gets into the camera, leading the shooting.
According to the Philippine BOHR, a laser beam hit the sailors on the Malapascua bridge and temporarily blinded them. Medical details, however, are not given. After the laser attack, the Chinese ship approached a short distance and made dangerous maneuvers.
The crew of BRP Malapascua was forced to abandon the continuation of their campaign. He changed course and headed for Lavac Island. There, the ship met with a BRP Teresa Magbanua pennant (MRRV-9701), and then together they went to another garrison to deliver supplies.
Events and aftermath
In an official statement from the BOHR of the Philippines, the actions of the Chinese side were severely criticized. They were called a flagrant disregard and a clear violation of the sovereign rights of the Republic of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea (the local name for the South China Sea).
In addition, they recalled that this is not the first time that China's BOHR has prevented Philippine ships from supplying remote garrisons. So, in August last year, the same ship "5205", along with other boats, interfered with the passage of the Filipinos, and also threatened to use artillery.
Shot moment. Frame from video from BOHR Philippines / NBC
The BOHR statement was followed by an official response. China recalled that it considers the Spratly archipelago its territory. Therefore, the recent incident is considered as an attempt to violate the maritime border. At the same time, the PRC Ministry of Defense did not deny the use of a special tool in the form of a laser.
On February 14, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and expressed serious concern about China's actions in the disputed islands. The recent application of the laser has been called another example of this.
The situation continues to develop, but is kept at the level of diplomacy. It is likely that the two countries will be able to find a compromise solution and refrain from rash steps that could lead to unforeseen negative consequences. What the recent incident will lead to will become clear in the coming days.
Confrontation tool
Disputes over the Spratly Islands have been going on for a long time, and clashes on the water and in the air regularly take place. Ships and aircraft from different countries are trying to squeeze each other out of the disputed areas and generally interfere with foreign activities and the development of the archipelago. Most of these incidents involve active maneuvering; sometimes there are threats to use airborne weapons.
The events of February 6 differ significantly from the previous ones. This time, the Chinese side has reached the full use of its weapons. This is a non-lethal laser, but it also caused some damage to the health of Filipino sailors. As far as we know, this is the first case of using a laser - and it cannot be ruled out that it will not be the last.
First of all, the recent incident confirms the assumption that China has laser weapons, incl. armed with BOHR. At the same time, sailors received permission to use it in difficult situations. The presence of a combat laser and the corresponding permits can have the most serious consequences in the future.
What kind of laser weapon was used by the sailors from the ship "5205", for obvious reasons, is unknown. However, the available information allows one to make assumptions. So, in the video you can see that the source of the beam is located in the area of the superstructure of the ship. In addition, the beam cannot be kept in the desired position, and it "dances" on the target.
Apparently, some kind of compact portable laser in the form factor of a rifle was used. It is also possible to use the notorious "laser pointer" of relatively high power. The presence of a stationary combat module with a laser can be excluded. In this case, the position of the radiation source and the lack of stabilization are explained.
It is curious that it is the portable laser system that is the best weapon option for the ships and boats of the BOHR. Such weapons have minimal dimensions and weight, which simplifies its use in any conditions. At the same time, a compact laser has a limited power, which, however, is not a problem.
Ship BOHR "4202" of the same project as "5205". Photo by Wikimedia Commons
Most Coast Guard missions do not require lethal weapons. She only needs to disable the enemy for subsequent events. In addition, a low-power laser reduces the risks for the enemy. So, that is why the Philippine sailors got off with a temporary loss of vision, and the Chinese side avoided accusations of violating international agreements.
It is possible that a laser rifle or other similar weapon is available not only on the 5205 ship. The Chinese BOHR has a fairly large fleet, and any of its boats or ships can have a similar system. Also, the development and future introduction of more serious laser weapons in the form of full-fledged combat modules cannot be ruled out. Due to mechanical guidance and stabilizers, they will be more accurate, and power control will provide efficiency for various purposes, including optics.
The secret becomes clear
On the availability of developments in China in the field of laser weapons, incl. portable systems, it became known for a long time. New projects of combat lasers on different platforms for use in different branches of the military were regularly reported. Now it has become known that not only the army and navy, but also the Coast Guard, which is part of the People's Armed Militia, receives such weapons.
As follows from official statements, the combat laser on board the BOHR vessel turned out to be an unpleasant surprise for the enemy. Filipino sailors were forced to change course and provide assistance to injured comrades. In general, it should be recognized that the laser operator coped with the task and determined the further course of events. And now we can expect that the use of lasers will become regular. This will be facilitated by both recent positive experience and the absence of the need to keep a secret.
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