Found
The missing Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH fighter jet has been found. It was reported missing on the evening of March 4. The plane with two pilots flew from Cebu to Northern Mindanao on a tactical night mission. The crashed aircraft was found in the Kalatungan mountain range in Bukidnon, along with the two deceased pilots. We honor and are grateful to the two pilots for their service to the country and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families.
This is the PAF's newest fighter jet. Under former President Noynoy Aquino, twelve of the planes were purchased from South Korea and arrived in the country from 2015-2017. The PAF has used the planes several times for various missions against terrorists and enemies of the country. Due to the accident, the remaining eleven aircraft are grounded until the investigation into the crash is completed and the cause is known. There are plans to buy twelve more FA-50PHs in the coming years as part of the continuing modernization of the PAF, so it is important to determine the reason for the crash.
Aircraft aren’t just flown. Whether commercial or military, it requires continuous servicing and maintenance. Parts showing the slightest failure should be replaced immediately. When a car engine has problems, the engine quits, and the car stops. With an airplane, that is more dangerous. That is why buying a plane is expensive. Not only do you purchase the aircraft, but you must also have a good supply of parts as well as trained personnel to make sure it is airworthy all the time. In other words, pilots are not the only ones important to an aircraft.
I’m sure the PAF would want to know the cause of the crash because the PAF uses the FA-50PH in operations and missions against the country's enemies. If the whole squadron of FA-50PH aircraft remains grounded, they only benefit our enemies.
The PAF has other combat aircraft such as the A-29B but the FA-50PH remains the only jet fighter in its inventory. The PAF will not cease operations against insurgents. But the accident highlights the need to continually modernize the AFP. Equipment age with time. So, the PAF remains committed to facing the challenges of modernizing its capabilities with the resources at its disposal. A strong Air Force is essential for a country like the Philippines because of the vastness of the area it needs to patrol.
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