In a rare move, a Chinese fighter jet launched flares in front of a Canadian helicopter flying over the South China Sea, the Department of National Defence is reporting. The Oct. 29 incident involved a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter embarked on the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ottawa. DND says the helicopter was conducting routine manoeuvres over international airspace when it was intercepted by two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) J-11 fighter jets. The initial encounters were safe but two subsequent ones were not, said the department. One pass of the Cyclone was conducted with little separation and the pilot had to take action to respond to the turbulence. Later that day during a second sortie, the helicopter was again intercepted. This time a J-11 fighter launched flares directly in front of the helicopter. DND says the pilot had to manoeuvre to avoid the flares....Read more https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/chinese-warplane-fires-flares-close-to-canadian-helicopter-in-south-china-sea-5522560