During a night combat assault in a southern province, a Philippine air force fighter jet with two pilots aboard has gone missing, according to officials on Tuesday.
The FA-50 aircraft encountered a communication failure while on a tactical mission around midnight on Monday as it approached its target area. An ongoing search operation is being carried out to locate the jet.
“We remain hopeful that we will find them and the aircraft soon, and we request your thoughts and prayers during this crucial time,” stated Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippine air force.
Two Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets fly with two U.S. Air Force B-1 bomber aircraft during a joint patrol and training session over the South China Sea on Tuesday, Feb.4, 2025. (Philippine Air Force via AP)
It was not immediately clear if the other FA-50s would be grounded after the incident.
The Philippines acquired 12 FA-50s multi-purpose fighter jets from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. for 18.9 billion pesos, or $331 million, beginning in 2015. The acquisition was viewed at the time as the biggest deal under a military modernization program that had been repeatedly stalled by a lack of funds.
A Philippine Air Force FA-50, left, and U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet, right, fly in formation during the US-Philippines joint air force military exercise dubbed ‘Cope Thunder’ at Basa Air Base in Pampanga on April 11, 2024. (Getty Images)
In addition to anti-insurgency missions, the jets have been used for various other activities, including major national ceremonies and patrolling the disputed South China Sea.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
