Four pilots died after two Philippine Air Force SF-260 aircraft collided mid-air during a training exercise at Fernando Air Base on October 23, 2026.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the accident occurred at around 3:51 pm at the base, south of the capital, Manila. Both aircraft crashed within the air base’s perimeter. A military spokesperson said no injuries or additional casualties were reported on the ground.

Video footage showed the two aircraft flying at low altitude alongside several other planes before they appeared to collide. A burst of smoke followed the impact, and both aircraft rapidly lost altitude before crashing. The military described the incident as accidental but did not provide further details.

The PAF has grounded its entire SF-260 fleet as a precaution while authorities investigate the cause of the crash.

“The Philippine Air Force (PAF) mourns the loss of four pilots in an aviation accident involving two SF-260 aircraft during a training flight at Fernando Air Base on October 23, 2026, at 3.51 pm,” the statement said.

“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, while all SF-260 aircraft have been temporarily grounded as a precautionary safety measure.”

The military said it was coordinating with the families of the deceased pilots to assist.

“The PAF honours the service and sacrifice of our fallen aviators and is coordinating with their bereaved families to provide necessary assistance,” the statement said.

The Air Force also expressed condolences and urged the public to respect the families’ privacy during the mourning period, following a request from the relatives.

The crash follows other deadly aviation accidents involving military personnel in the Philippines. Last year, one US soldier and three defence contractors died when a surveillance aircraft crashed in the southern Philippines.

In 2021, at least 45 people died when a Philippine Air Force aircraft carrying troops crashed while landing in Sulu province. The aircraft missed the runway and burst into flames in the mountainous town of Patikul. The victims included 42 soldiers and three civilians on the ground.

The latest incident comes amid increased naval exercises around the Philippines involving the United States and its partners. Beijing has opposed the drills, accusing Manila of working with other countries to destabilise the region. China claims the entire South China Sea.

The Philippine military has not indicated any connection between the regional exercises and the training flight involved in the collision.