Several US pilots have reported from an F-16 in Germany that they were targeted with lasers from the ground while preparing to land, and it did not happen just once, it happened several times. Although all flights ended without major incidents, fortunately, the situation has led German authorities to open a criminal investigation and the United States Air Force to take it very, very seriously. It must be made clear that aviation is not something to play with, ever.
What happened at Spangdahlem Air Base
The events took place at Spangdahlem Air Base, in western Germany, where the US Air Force 52nd Fighter Wing operates. Three different pilots reported a blue laser pointing directly at the cockpit during the final approach to the runway, while they were landing.
Two of those episodes occurred on the same night, and the third one a week later. Always at night and always when the aircraft was already low and prepared to land. Too much coincidence to be random, right?
A pattern
German authorities detected that it happened in the same time window, with the same type of light, in the same area. Everything points to it not being accidental or the work of someone “playing” with a laser pointer. Who would play with a pointer in 2025? That is why the Rhineland-Palatinate police have taken over the investigation, in direct coordination with US forces. It is already being treated as a crime against air safety, so be careful if you have ever thought about “playing” like this.
Why it is so dangerous
There is no exaggeration here, this is not a joke, it is VERY dangerous. It can cause disorientation, temporary blindness, and even permanent eye injuries. It is a direct flash to the eyes.
How the pilots reacted
The base confirmed that aviators are trained for this type of situation, but it is still a difficult moment. The pilots activated protocols, reported the incident, and tried to identify the approximate area from which the light was coming in order to complete a full report.
More protection for aviators
The US Air Force acknowledges that this type of laser attack is becoming more frequent around the world, which is why they are working on improving pilot equipment, with goggles that protect against both impacts and laser exposure, without compromising aircraft visibility.
For now, no suspects
For this moment, there have been no arrests, culprits or exact point identified from where the lasers were aimed… Maybe it is to difficult to know where there them. Authorities have asked for public cooperation, so any strange lights, unusual movements, or suspicious activity near the base on those dates could be important and helpful for sure.
A particularly sensitive context
Even this case has not been linked to external threats or organized actions, the timing does not help. The geopolitical climate is delicate and the security of military bases is under constant scrutiny, so let’s be careful, please…
A warning
An apparently simple gesture, but done with bad intent, can put many lives at risk. The aircraft could lose stability and crash, many things could happen and none of them good. That is why it is important to stress that aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious crime, not a prank.