A Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jet and its two-man crew have gone missing during a tactical night operation in support of ground forces combating communist rebels in the southern Mindanao region, according to military officials.
Colonel Consuelo Castillo, the Air Force spokeswoman, confirmed that the aircraft was conducting a mission over land when it lost contact just minutes before reaching its target area. While the military declined to disclose further details about the operation, Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala confirmed the FA-50 was part of a squadron sent to provide air support to troops engaged in combat with the New People's Army in Bukidnon province.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said in an official statement that the missing jet lost contact with its squadron during the night operation, and repeated attempts to re-establish communication were unsuccessful. The jet had taken off from Mactan–Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, with other jets from the same group also involved in the operation.
Lieutenant-Colonel Francisco Garello of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division explained that the air support was called in overnight to assist during a firefight in a mountainous area.
The FA-50s, which were purchased from South Korea in the last decade, are designed for light combat and have previously participated in exercises over the South China Sea. The incident marks the first major mishap involving this fleet. The PAF is now conducting "extensive and thorough search operations" to locate the missing aircraft and crew, using all available resources.
Colonel Castillo expressed hope for the safe recovery of the crew, stating, "We are still very optimistic that they are safe."
This incident is the latest in a series of deadly accidents involving Philippine military aircraft. Last year, two PAF pilots lost their lives in a plane crash, and earlier this year, two Navy pilots were killed in a helicopter crash during a training flight.
The FA-50 is a light combat aircraft produced by Korea Aerospace Industries, in collaboration with U.S. company Lockheed Martin. The Philippine military currently operates a fleet of twelve FA-50s.The military's top priority remains the safe return of the crew.
Source: AFP, AA
