A Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50 fighter jet has disappeared during an overnight tactical operation.
The PAF confirmed the news on March 4, 2025, adding that the aircraft lost communication ‘minutes’ before reaching the target area. Other aircraft involved in the mission were able to return to Benito Ebuen Air Base (CEB) in Mactan, Cebu, after carrying out assaults.
During a press briefing at the PAF headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said: “The PAF is conducting extensive and thorough search operations, utilizing all available resources to locate the missing jet fighter aircraft. Our primary concern right now 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.”
According to Castillo, this is the first major incident involving the PAF’s FA-50 fighter jet.
The PAF currently owns 12 FA-50 fighter jets. In July 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr gave the go-ahead for the government to purchase multirole fighter jets amid escalating territorial tensions with China.
General Romeo Brawner Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that the country’s current FA-50 jet fighters are capable, but not sufficiently adequate to defend the Philippines, adding that multirole fighters are “bigger, faster and more lethal” than the FA-50PH in operation.
