2 Philippine air force planes collide during a training flight, killing all 4 pilots

MANILA, Philippines - Two Philippine Air Force planes collided during a training flight, resulting in the death of all four pilots on board, according to Philippine officials on Saturday. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when the two SF-260 aircraft, flying at a low altitude, crashed at Fernando Air Base in Lipa city, Batangas province, situated south of Manila.

There were no casualties on the ground, as confirmed by the officials. The air force has not yet disclosed the specifics of the accidental crash. Two unnamed Philippine officials, privy to the details, confirmed that the planes collided mid-flight. The officials, speaking anonymously due to the lack of authorization to discuss the matter, revealed that one of the two-seater aircraft crashed near the barracks housing military personnel at the air base, as reported by a witness to The Associated Press.

Following the incident, the air force announced a temporary grounding of all its remaining SF-260 aircraft, which were procured from Italy, pending an investigation. The air force did not specify the exact number of SF-260 aircraft still in the service. This unfortunate event has dealt a significant blow to the under-resourced Philippine military, which has been grappling with financial constraints while striving to modernize its air force, navy, and army.

The military has been contending with long-standing communist and Muslim insurgencies and increasingly hostile territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The tragic accident marks a setback for the Philippine military's efforts to enhance its capabilities amidst the ongoing challenges.