PAF: FA-50 jet encountered generator issue while returning from Indonesia exercise

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday confirmed that one of its FA-50 fighter jets encountered a minor discrepancy while returning to the Philippines from Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Indonesia on August 9.

“It's just a generator-related but it's very minor,” PAF deputy spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Michael Angelo Patron said at a press briefing.

“Kaya ang isa sa mga puwede natin makita dito on how ready our maintenance that they were able to put the plane on airworthiness level. Kaya naibalik na natin sila dito,” he added.

The PAF said there were no injuries and all crew members were safe.

Patron said the aircraft encountered the minor discrepancy before landing in Indonesia during its return from the multinational air exercise.

The PAF emphasized that the safety of its personnel and aircraft remains a top priority, with established safety management, inspection and maintenance procedures in place to ensure the airworthiness of its aircraft.

Patron said the aircraft did not need to be grounded and remains fully operational and ready to be deployed for missions.

Exercise Pitch Black 2026 was held in Australia and involved participating air forces from various countries. —VAL, GMA News