By Brian Jules Campued
At least 200 personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) have arrived in Darwin, Australia to participate in the “Pitch Black” exercises hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), set to commence on July 12 to Aug. 2.
The initial contingent as well as essential equipment and operational cargo arrived in Australia on Sunday, according to PAF.
“The PAF contingent was ferried from the Philippines to Darwin via the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30 aircraft. The crucial equipment and operational cargo were transported by the RAAF C-130 and PAF C-295 aircraft, ensuring the seamless arrival of all necessary assets for the exercise. The main contingent will fly to Darwin a few days from now, prior to the official start of the exercise,” it said in a statement Monday.
The biennial “Pitch Black” military exercise is known for conducting large-scale and multi-national large force employment. The 2024 edition features 20 participating nations, including the Philippines.
The three-week exercise will incorporate various tactical flying and large-scale operational collective training activities, such as fly-by, offensive counter-air and air interdiction, and night exercises.
Marking the historic participation of the PAF in the said drills is the deployment of its FA-50 fighter jets, as it is also the first time for the Philippines’ air assets to participate in an international exercise outside the country.
“The participation of the Philippine Air Force in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 is a pivotal opportunity to enhance our operational capabilities, strengthen international partnerships, and reinforce our commitment to regional security and stability. Our involvement in this exercise is crucial to advancing our readiness, interoperability, and professionalism as an air force,” the PAF said.
Amid the ongoing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the PAF said the experience gained from the “Pitch Black” exercise would be instrumental in ensuring the defense and security of the Philippines.
In an interview with PTV News, PAF pilot Lt. Col. Mario Mendoza also said the country’s involvement in the exercise would help the military \strengthen its capabilities
“Dahil dito maipapamalas natin ang ating kakayahan, ang ating kapasidad at kapabilidad para makipag-cooperate sa mga ibang bansa lalo na in a combined operation with other countries,” Mendoza said.
Aside from Australia and the Philippines, other nations participating in the Pitch Black 2024 are:
- Brunei
- Canada
- Fiji
- France
- Germany
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Japan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of Korea
- Spain
- Singapore
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States
(with report from Patrick De Jesus/PTV News)
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