The Philippine Air Force (PAF) admitted that the suspension of FA-50 fighter jet operations will have a substantial impact on the country's ability to monitor its territory, extending to its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Previously, the FA-50 fleet was grounded after a crash involving one of the fighter jets, which resulted in two fatalities.
"Definitely, may effect siya. Malaki ‘yung impact kung wala tayong fighter aircraft available. But as I’ve said, we are committed to completing the investigation as soon as possible so that our fighter aircraft can get back to the air," PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo 'Bon' Castillo said on Wednesday.
Furthermore, she stated that their team is fast-tracking the investigation into the aircraft crash in Bukidnon.
Castillo added that the expedited investigation aims to quickly resume the operations of the fighter jet fleet, which has been grounded following what she described as the "first major incident" involving the said air asset.
However, the official assured that there are still fighter planes available, such as the S-211, that can be used for maritime patrols.
"Itong maritime patrol naman natin, we have different type of aircrafts that are also involved. We have other fixed-wing aircraft that we can deploy to our maritime patrol ang monitoring of our territorial waters, as well as other areas within our Exclusive Economic Zone," she added.
In a previous announcement at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, Castillo revealed that one of the FA-50 fighter jets from the force went missing after losing its signal around midnight.
