i really hope its not someone testing out their new laser-guided-missile tracking system before shooting off a precious SAM ... it just seems like if you're a bad guy going through the trouble to track something that high up and that fast (assuming the news reports are correct), you'd probably be able to get a laser that actually does the job ... unless "blinding" the pilots isn't what you're trying to do at all.
BINGO. Most likely scenario: Practicing illuminating and tracking a missile target long enough and accurately enough not to miss. And they wouldn't care that they are showing their hand in advance because we have no way of determining place and time.
All I know is this ain't children playin', although I would love and hope to believe it is.
I'm Commercial and I know several ATP [since we all work for same airline] and all concur this is no game..even the government has put out a terror warning about this.
Game or real, the whole Bush open border doctrine is Bravo Sierra; FUBAR in other words.