Two US Navy aircraft—a helicopter and a fighter jet—crashed in the South China Sea within 30 minutes of each other on October 26, 2025, escalating already tense US-China relations in the region. All crew members survived, but China reacted sharply, warning the US that repeated military activities are destabilizing and threaten regional peace, while offering humanitarian assistance if requested by the US.ndtv+2
What Happened?
According to US Navy officials, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Battle Cats" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 crashed at around 2:45 pm local time during routine operations in the South China Sea. All three crew members were quickly rescued. Just 30 minutes later, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet based on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz also went down. The jet’s two pilots ejected and were safely recovered. An investigation into the cause of the incidents is underway, with President Trump suggesting “bad fuel” as a possible reason but ruling out foul play.english.mathrubhumi+3
China’s Strong Response
Chinese authorities took note of the incidents and, while expressing willingness to help the US in a humanitarian capacity if asked, also seized the opportunity to criticize the US military presence in the South China Sea. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that frequent US military operations in the disputed waters were a “root cause of maritime security issues and undermine regional peace and stability.” Beijing accused Washington of “flexing its muscles” and warned, “If the US intends to show its strength here, it will only cause more instability and problems”.aa+3
Background: Tensions in the South China Sea
The South China Sea is a strategic waterway, with overlapping territorial claims from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. In recent months, US and allied naval patrols in support of “freedom of navigation” have irked Beijing, which claims most of the region. The two crashes come at a time of heightened tensions, with parallel naval drills between US allies and China, and more aggressive maneuvers seen from both sides. The US Navy’s Pacific Fleet emphasized that both accidents occurred during routine operations and all personnel are safe.csis+2
Summary Table: Incident Details
| Event | Time (Local) | Aircraft Type | Crew Outcome | US Statement | China’s Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First crash | 2:45 pm | MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter | 3 rescued | “All safe, under investigation” ndtv | “US flexing muscles is root cause” scmp |
| Second crash | 3:15 pm | F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter | 2 rescued | “All safe, under investigation” ndtv | “Ready to help if asked, but blames US actions” english.mathrubhumi |
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.
