Laser light aimed at U.S. aircraft at Futenma

U.S. Marine officials announced that intense light believed to be from a laser has been directed at U.S. military aircraft flying to and from MCAS Futenma five times since July last year.

Okinawa Prefectural Police have started an investigation to the matter after receiving a report from the U.S. Military. This is the first time an incident of a laser light having been used apparently to target U.S. military aircraft has occurred.

According to U.S. Marine officials, there have not been reports of military personnel injured in the incidents so far. However, a laser beam hitting a person directly in the eye could cause a temporary tunnel vision, and that might lead to a serious accident.

Prefectural Police say only that they continue investigation into the matter.

10:57 29 Mar , 2024