US fighter jet and helicopter crash during drills in South China Sea

A US fighter jet and a military helicopter crashed separately in the South China Sea during routine drills involving the USS Nimitz carrier strike group.

Both incidents occurred within a 30-minute span, and all personnel involved were safely recovered.

The US Pacific Fleet confirmed that the F-18 fighter jet carried a two-man crew, while the MH-60R helicopter had five crew members.

The exact cause of both crashes is currently under investigation by US authorities.

These events took place in the highly contested South China Sea, a region with ongoing territorial disputes, particularly between the Philippines and China.

China continues to assert sovereignty over these waters despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated its claims.

The Philippines has been increasing its efforts to counter China's expansive claims, including conducting joint naval drills with the US and other allies to enhance maritime security.