Laser Beams Aimed at Aircraft at Atsugi Base

Laser pointers, a tool for business, are being used as a weapon. Pilots have filed reports about laser lights targeting their plans while flying over Europe, Japan and the United States. The light can flood cockpits, causing distraction and momentary vision problems. “Laserlike beams, possibly from pointers, have targeted U.S. military and Maritime Self-Defense Force aircraft at least 70 times during nighttime landing operations at the Atsugi air base in Kanagawa Prefecture since fiscal 2013, MSDF officials said,” reports Kyodo News. “The figure, released Tuesday, adds to growing evidence that lasers, which can hamper a pilot’s vision, have been aimed at both military and civilian aircraft throughout Japan.” CNN reports more than 20 pilots reported that, while flying over the United States one November night in 10 states, their aircraft were targeted with laser beams. Police and aviation officials investigate the laser incidents as crimes. – YaleGlobal