Amid rising geopolitical tensions between the West and China, the US military conducted a field training exercise in Australia on Sunday when an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft carrying 23 marines crashed, killing three and injuring at least five more. 

"Three have been confirmed deceased while five others were transported to Royal Darwin hospital in serious condition," read a statement from Marine Rotational Force Darwin. 

The statement continued, "The Marines aboard the aircraft were flying in support of Exercise Predators Run. Recovery efforts are ongoing. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Further details will be provided as the situation develops." 

The incident occurred in Australia's Northern Territory, a strategic area where the US military plans to establish a command center as a hub for aggressive military operations directed against China. 

The Northern Territory's chief minister, Natasha Fyles, said the situation was "evolving": 

"I have kept the prime minister and the deputy prime minister updated, and I have also reached out to the United States consul." 

The cause of the crash is under investigation. It should be noted that Osprey has a highly controversial and challenging development history.

Here's a brief overview of the Osprey's history with regard to crashes and notable incidents (list courtesy of CNN):

The good news is the US military has selected Bell's V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft to replace its aging helicopter fleet. 

The V-280 Valor can take off and land vertically like a helicopter but rotate props to fly like a fixed-wing aircraft (similar to the MV-22) at impressive speeds.