Philippine Air Force Fighter Jet Missing During Training Mission Near Cebu
MANILA, March 4 – A Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50 fighter jet has gone missing during a routine training mission near Cebu, officials confirmed Tuesday. The jet, along with its crew, lost contact with fellow aircraft just moments before reaching its designated target area.
The twin-seater aircraft took off from Mactan–Benito Ebuen Air Base, which shares a runway with Cebu’s international airport. According to a PAF statement, an extensive search and rescue operation is underway, mobilizing all available resources to locate the missing aircraft and ensure the safety of the crew.
“Our top priority is the safe return of our aircrew. We are conducting a thorough investigation and utilizing all means to track the jet’s last known location,” the statement read.
The Philippine Air Force currently operates a squadron of 12 FA-50 fighter jets, acquired from South Korea over the past decade. These jets serve as the backbone of the country’s aerial defense and training programs.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the disappearance. Updates will follow as search operations continue.