Four pilots have died in a crash involving two military planes in a training exercise.

Two SF-260 jets crashed at Basilio Fernando Air Base in the city of Lipa, Philippines, the country’s air force said.

The incident occurred within the grounds of the base, and no further casualties were reported.

The SF-260 trainer fleet has now been temporarily grounded pending an investigation.

A clip shared online appeared to show seven of the jets had flown in an arrow formation before two of the aircraft collided as the fleet broke up.

A statement from the Philippine Air Force said: ‘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. Both aircraft went down within the base perimeter, with no other casualties reported.

‘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 PAF honors the service and sacrifice of our fallen aviators and is coordinating with their bereaved families to provide necessary assistance. At the families’ request, we respectfully appeal to the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.’

SF-260 planes have been involved in several crashes since they were transferred to the Philippines from the Italian air force.

Two pilots were killed in May when an SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed in a mountainous area in northern Philippines.

AnotherSF-260 TP Marchetti crashed during a 2023 training flight, also killing two pilots.

The aircraft was used in strikes in the southern Marawi City in 2017 when the area was seized by Islamic-state-supporting militants.

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