US pilot seriously hurt after ejecting from jet

The pilot of an American F-15C fighter jet was yesterday in a serious condition in hospital after crashing in waters south of Okinawa, Japan, the US air force said.

The pilot, who was on a routine training mission from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, ejected after his plane got into trouble at 6.30am and was rescued by the Japanese air force. A heavy US military presence in Okinawa has been the source of friction with local officials and some residents.