Two Philippine Air Force pilots lost their lives when their FA-50 fighter jet crashed during an anti-insurgency mission in the southern province of Bukidnon, military officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The jet lost contact with other aircraft involved in the mission shortly after midnight on March 4, prompting a search-and-rescue operation. The wreckage was discovered in the Kalatungan mountains in the Mindanao region, along with the remains of the two pilots.
Air Force spokesperson Consuelo Castillo stated that the crash site confirmed the aircraft had gone down, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. In response, the military has grounded its remaining fleet of 11 FA-50 jets as a precautionary measure.
The Philippines purchased 12 FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea in 2014 as part of a military modernisation program aimed at enhancing national security and maritime defense, particularly in the South China Sea. Despite the grounding, Castillo emphasised that efforts would be made to return the jets to service as soon as possible to minimise operational disruptions.
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