A Filippine Air Force Fighter Jet with two pilots was missing during a night combat attack to support land troops that fought against insurgents in a southern province, officials said on Tuesday.
The Fa-50-Jet Lost communication during the tactical mission around midnight on Monday before he reached a goal area. There is a search for the jet going on.
“We hope to find them and the plane quickly and ask you to start prayer in this critical time,” spokesperson for the Filipino Air Force. Consuelo Castillo said.
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Two Filippine Air Force Fa-50 fighter jets fly during a joint patrol and training session with the US over the South China Sea, Tuesday 4 February 2025. (Filipino Air Force via AP)
The other aircraft involved in the mission safely returned to an airbase in the province of Central Cebu, the Air Force said, without offering further details due to safety reasons.
The incident happened in one South -Filipino province During an anti-uprising mission against communist guerrillas, a Filipino military officer told the Associated Press.
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Two Failippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets fly with two American Air Force B-1 bomber aircraft during a joint patrol and training session on the South Chinese Sea on Tuesday 4 February 2025. (Filipino Air Force via AP)
It was not immediately clear whether the other FA-50s would be grounded after the incident.
The Philippines have taken over 12 FA-50S multifunctional fighter jets from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. For 18.9 billion pesos, or $ 331 million, starting in 2015. The acquisition was then seen as the largest deal under a military modernization program that was repeatedly stuck due to a lack of money.
A Faippine Air Force FA-50, left, and the US Air Force F-16 fighter jet, right in formation during the military exercise of the American joint air force called ‘Cope Thunder’ on Basa Air Base in Pampanga on 11 April 2024. (Getty Images)
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In addition to anti-uprising missions, the jets were used for various other activities, including large national ceremonies and patrol the disputed South China Sea.
The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
