Philippine fighter jet disappears during anti-insurgency mission
What's the story
A Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jet, carrying two pilots, has mysteriously disappeared during a night combat mission.
The aircraft was last in contact with other Air Force units around midnight on Monday before it reached its target area.
The mission was aimed at supporting ground forces engaged in combat against insurgents in a southern province of the Philippines.
Search efforts
Search operation underway for missing jet and pilots
The fighter jet went missing while on an anti-insurgency operation against communist guerrillas, a military official told The Associated Press.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity as the matter is sensitive.
Air Force spokesperson Colonel Ma Consuelo Castillo expressed hope for a swift resolution. She said, "We are hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time."
Fleet status
Uncertainty surrounds grounding of remaining FA-50 jets
In the wake of the incident, it remains unclear if the rest of the FA-50 jets will be grounded pending further investigation.
The Philippines had procured 12 FA-50 multi-role fighter jets from South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd., starting in 2015 for P18.9 billion ($331 million).
The purchase was part of a military modernization program that has been delayed due to funding issues.
Jet utilization
FA-50 jets' diverse roles in Philippine military operations
The missing FA-50 jet is among a fleet that has been utilized for a range of purposes, including anti-insurgency operations, national ceremonies, and patrols over the disputed South China Sea.
The incident marks a major setback for the Philippines's military modernization efforts.
As the search continues for the missing jet and its pilots, this incident highlights the challenges faced by military forces operating in complex and often hostile environments.