US Navy helicopter and fighter jet crash in South China Sea

US Navy Helicopter and Fighter Jet Crash in South China Sea; All Crew Rescued

The Pacific Fleet of the US Navy confirmed on Sunday that a helicopter of its Navy and a fighter jet both had crashed within one and a half hour during different routine operations over the South China Sea. Luckily, every crew member of the two planes was rescued.

The US Navy is also investigating the cause of the two crashes that occurred in the strategic waters, which are commonly referred to as a flash point of world conflict.

An official statement indicated that an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter had crashed at around 2:45 p.m. local time as it was carrying out regular flights from the USS Nimitz. The three people in the crew were rescued.

Approximately thirty minutes later, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft also crashed while carrying out similar operations on the same carrier. Both pilots successfully ejected and were safely recovered, according to the Navy.

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The F/A-18F Super Hornet, worth approximately $60 million, is the fourth such aircraft the Navy has lost this year.

The South China Sea is regarded as one of the most disputed maritime regions in the world, where China and several Southeast Asian states are neighbors. The waterway is claimed by multiple countries but is asserted by Beijing as its own, despite an international court ruling that dismissed its territorial claims.

Over the last two decades, China has militarized several islands and reefs in the contested area, constructing military bases and fortifications. The United States has repeatedly stated that such actions threaten the freedom of navigation and international trade.

The US Navy continues to maintain a constant presence in the region to deter Chinese military expansion and to reassure Washington’s allies and partners in Asia.

The accidents occurred as President Donald Trump resumed his diplomatic tour in Asia, where he was scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade relations and bilateral tensions.

Rivalry between the two nations has increased recently following economic measures taken by both sides. Yet, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared Sunday that a constructive trade agreement was being advised to ease hostilities before the Trump-Xi meeting.

This year, the US Navy has suffered multiple aircraft losses. Earlier in the Red Sea, two other F/A-18s were lost — one went overboard from an aircraft carrier, while the other suffered a landing system malfunction. Another Super Hornet crashed off Virginia in August during a training mission.

The USS Nimitz, the largest and most iconic aircraft carrier in the world, is also the oldest in the US Navy fleet and is expected to retire next year.