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America has safely removed its military platforms that fell into the sea in two sensitive areas of Asia. The MQ-9 drone that crashed near South Korea and the fighter jet that fell in the South China Sea were recovered, so that the technology does not fall into the hands of the adversaries.
The US Army has successfully taken out its state-of-the-art military equipment that had fallen into the sea in two very sensitive areas of Asia. On one hand, the MQ-9 Reaper drone that crashed near the western coast of South Korea has been recovered, while on the other hand, in the second week of December, the US Navy has safely taken out the debris of its fighter jet and helicopter from the depths of the sea in the South China Sea. Both these operations are considered very important from the point of view of America’s security.
When did America’s drone fall?
The US Air Force unit deployed in South Korea said that the entire debris of the MQ-9 Reaper drone that fell into the sea on November 24 is now in their possession. This drone had fallen into the sea near Maldo-ri island near Gunsan city, about 180 kilometers south of Seoul. No one was injured in the accident, but security agencies were very cautious about the technology of drones. This operation, which lasted for about 20 days, was jointly carried out by the US Air Force and the South Korean Navy. The US Air Force has described it as an example of the strong military partnership between the two countries.
Why was MQ-9 deployed?
MQ-9 Reaper drone is used for both surveillance and attack. After its deployment, it was believed that it was keeping an eye on North Korea’s activities and China’s presence in the Yellow Sea. After the crash of the drone, it is not clear whether a new MQ-9 will be deployed in its place or not. This incident happened at a time when there is already tension between China and South Korea regarding the Yellow Sea.
Jet and helicopter also taken out
Similarly, America had also carried out a major recovery operation in the South China Sea. According to the news on Wednesday, the US Navy said that the FA-18 fighter jet and MH-60 helicopter that fell into the sea while taking off from the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier in October have been taken out. Both these planes fell at a depth of about 400 feet and were picked up from the sea on 5 December.
Why is America taking out crashed planes?
Although these aircraft were not the most modern of the Navy, but defense experts say that if they had fallen into the hands of an enemy country like China, it could have harmed America’s military technology. This is the reason why America launched a rapid recovery mission. According to the US Navy, parts of both the planes have now been sent to a secure military base in the Indo-Pacific region, where they will be technically examined.
The dispute between China and many South-East Asian countries regarding the South China Sea has been going on for a long time. China claims almost the entire maritime area, while America considers it an international sea route and maintains its military presence here. In such a situation, the recovery of American military planes fallen in the sea is being seen as a strategic security step.
