Philippine fighter jet goes missing during combat mission, search operation under way

A Philippine air force FA-50 fighter jet with two pilots onboard went missing during a night combat mission in support of ground forces battling insurgents in a southern province, officials said Tuesday. A large-scale search operation is under way.

The jet lost communication with other aircraft around midnight Monday before reaching its target area. While the accompanying aircraft returned safely to an air base in Cebu province, there were no immediate updates on the missing jet, the air force said, citing security concerns.

A military official, speaking anonymously to Associated Press, confirmed the mission was part of an anti-insurgency operation against communist rebels. Air force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo urged the public to join in prayers for the pilots' safe return.

It remains unclear whether the air force will ground the remaining FA-50 jets pending further investigation.

The Philippines acquired 12 FA-50 multi-role fighter jets from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. in 2015 for 18.9 billion pesos ($331 million), marking a key investment in its military modernization program.

The jets have been used for anti-insurgency missions, national events, and patrols over the disputed South China Sea.