Philippine fighter jet, two pilots missing during combat mission against insurgents

A Philippine Air Force fighter jet with two pilots on board went missing during a night combat operation in the southern province of the country, officials confirmed on March 4.

The FA-50 aircraft lost contact with other air force units during a mission supporting ground forces fighting communist insurgents, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The jet, part of a counterinsurgency operation against the New People's Army (NPA), lost communication around midnight on March 3, just before it was set to reach its target area, 

While the other aircraft involved in the mission were able to return safely to a base in Cebu province, the FA-50 has not been located, prompting an extensive search operation.

A military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that the search was focused in the southern region, where clashes between government forces and NPA guerrillas were ongoing. The official did not provide further details for security reasons.

Philippine Air Force spokesperson, Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, expressed optimism, stating, “We are hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time.” Castillo did not confirm whether the pilots’ emergency location transmitters had emitted any distress signals, though she emphasized the military’s belief that the pilots remain safe.

The FA-50 fighter jets, acquired by the Philippines in 2015 from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd., are equipped with emergency ejection seats. If the pilots were forced to eject, rescue teams would be able to locate them, provided their emergency signals are activated.

The incident has raised questions regarding the operational status of the remaining FA-50 jets, though it is not yet clear whether they will be grounded while the investigation continues.

The Philippines' military modernization program, which saw the purchase of the 12 FA-50 jets, has faced numerous delays due to funding issues. Despite this, the military remains committed to expanding its fleet, with plans to acquire another 12 FA-50s from South Korea.

The NPA, which has been engaged in an armed struggle against the Philippine government for decades, is estimated to have about 1,000 active fighters. Despite numerous setbacks and peace talks, the insurgency remains a significant challenge. While the government and rebels agreed to resume peace negotiations in 2023, talks have yet to restart under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In addition to anti-insurgency operations, the FA-50s are used for a variety of national duties, including ceremonial functions and patrolling the contested South China Sea. The military continues to prioritize the safe recovery of the missing jet and pilots as the search operation intensifies.

By Vafa Guliyeva