2 US aircraft crash in South China Sea; Enraged China warns, ‘Try to show your strength…’

New Delhi: Two US aircraft crashes in a single day in the South China Sea have caused a stir. An F-18 Super Hornet fighter jet and an MH-60R helicopter deployed on the US Pacific Fleet’s nuclear aircraft carrier USS Nimitz crashed into the sea within a half-hour of each other. The US has launched an investigation into both crashes, but China has reacted sharply, calling them a threat to maritime peace in the region.

US Pacific Fleet issues statement

The US Pacific Fleet issued an official statement on Monday, October 27, 2025, stating that on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 2:45 pm (local time), an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter deployed on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) was assigned to the Battle Cats of Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM-73). Meanwhile, the helicopter crashed in the South China Sea during a routine operation.

All three pilots on board are safe

According to the Pacific Fleet, the carrier strike group’s search team safely rescued the helicopter’s three pilots and other crew members. However, just half an hour later, at 3:15 p.m., an F-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft deployed on the Nimitz crashed into the South China Sea. The fighter jet was assigned to the Fighting Redhawks of the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-22) for the operation. The search team later safely rescued both pilots.

Aircraft crashed during routine operations

The USS Nimitz is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the US Navy, capable of deploying dozens of fighter aircraft and helicopters. Currently, the aircraft carrier is deployed in the Indo-Pacific Command (Headquarters Hawaii Island) area of ​​responsibility.

According to the Pacific Fleet, both crashes occurred during routine operations, and investigations have been ordered. However, these incidents have caused concern within the US Navy and the world, as incidents of two aircraft crashing simultaneously from an aircraft carrier are rare.

China’s foreign ministry’s strong comment

China has reacted sharply to the US aircraft crashes. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated sternly that the US aircraft crashed during a manoeuvre. According to China, American warships and fighter planes try to show their strength by coming to the South China Sea, which is a threat to maritime security as well as regional peace and stability.

The South China Sea is considered one of the world’s most sensitive maritime regions because China seeks to establish its dominance over this entire sea and prevents the navies of neighbouring countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam from entering. However, the US and other Western countries, pursuing a policy of freedom of navigation, navigate this sea and conduct joint manoeuvres and passage exercises with countries that have tensions with China. China has absolutely no tolerance for this.