The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed on Monday that its grounded FA-50 fighter jet fleet will still be available for deployment if needed for urgent national security situations and other serious contingencies.
PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo told DAILY TRIBUNE via Viber that the jets can be mobilized during critical missions despite their temporary grounding during the investigation into the fatal crash of an FA-50 in Bukidnon on 4 March.
"This is called administrative grounding, but if our FA-50s are urgently needed, we will fly them," Castillo said, adding that the grounding will not affect the PAF's operations as alternative aircraft are available for regular patrols and missions.
The crash, which claimed the lives of Maj. Jude Salang-oy and First Lt. AJ Dadula, occurred during a tactical night operation. Castillo emphasized that the PAF’s fighter pilots remain committed to their duty, inspired by the bravery of their fallen comrades.
The FA-50 fleet, acquired from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for P18.9 billion, has been in service since 2015. The aircraft is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles and other armaments, and is a key part of the PAF’s defense capabilities.
The PAF will also involve the KAI in the investigation to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances that may have led to the crash.