A Philippine air force fighter jet carrying two pilots went missing during a night combat assault in support of ground forces who were battling insurgents in a southern province, officials said Tuesday.

The FA-50 jet lost communication during the tactical mission around midnight on Monday before reaching a target area. A search for the jet is underway.

“We are hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time,” Philippine air force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said.

Two Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets fly with two U.S. Air Force B-1 bomber aircraft during a joint patrol and training session over the South China Sea on Tuesday, Feb.4, 2025. (Philippine Air Force via AP)

It was not immediately clear if the other FA-50s would be grounded after the incident.

The Philippines acquired 12 FA-50s multi-purpose fighter jets from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. for 18.9 billion pesos, or $331 million, beginning in 2015. The acquisition was viewed at the time as the biggest deal under a military modernization program that had been repeatedly stalled by a lack of funds.

A Philippine Air Force FA-50, left, and U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet, right, fly in formation during the US-Philippines joint air force military exercise dubbed ‘Cope Thunder’ at Basa Air Base in Pampanga on April 11, 2024. (Getty Images)

In addition to anti-insurgency missions, the jets have been used for various other activities, including major national ceremonies and patrolling the disputed South China Sea.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.