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Four pilots killed in Philippine Air Force training collision

Two Philippine Air Force aircraft collided during a training exercise near Manila, resulting in the deaths of four pilots. The incident marks a significant loss for the country's air defence capabilities.

LSN India · 24 October 2026

Four pilots killed in Philippine Air Force training collision

A tragic collision between two Philippine Air Force aircraft claimed the lives of four pilots during a routine training mission in the Manila area. The crash occurred as the military jets were engaged in scheduled aerial exercises, according to preliminary reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Rescue and recovery operations were immediately mobilised following the incident. The exact circumstances that led to the collision remain under investigation by military authorities, who are working to establish a comprehensive account of the accident.

The Philippine Air Force has not yet released detailed information regarding the aircraft types involved or the specific location where the wreckage was recovered. Military officials indicated that a formal investigation would be launched to determine contributing factors and prevent similar incidents in the future.

This incident comes as the Philippine military continues to modernise its ageing air fleet. The loss of four experienced pilots represents a significant setback for the service branch, which has been working to enhance its operational readiness and training protocols in recent years.