PH Air Force: FA-50 fighter jet ‘missing’

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'The aircraft lost communication with the rest of the flight involved in the mission minutes before reaching the target area,' says the Air Force

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed that an FA-50 fighter jet “went missing” during a tactical night operation past midnight Tuesday, March 4. 

“The aircraft lost communication with the rest of the flight involved in the mission minutes before reaching the target area. The other aircraft repeatedly attempted to re-establish contact with the missing aircraft until their return to Mactan, Cebu,” said PAF spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo in a statement on March 4. 

“The PAF is conducting extensive and thorough search operations, utilizing all available resources, to locate the missing jet fighter aircraft. Our primary concern is the safe return of our aircrew. We are hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon, and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time,” Castillo added. 

No other information about the missing fighter jet was available as of posting. 

The PAF has a fleet of 12 FA-50 light combat aircraft, acquired under the administration of the late president Benigno Aquino III. Manila had earlier said it plans to acquire 12 more FA-50 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries. – Rappler.com