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International military aircraft and personnel have touched down for Australia’s biggest international air combat training activity, Exercise Pitch Black, in the Northern Territory.
Approximately 140 aircraft and more than 4,000 personnel from 20 nations are participating in this year’s iteration of Exercise Pitch Black from 12 July to 2 August.
The event is celebrating the largest participation in its 43-year history.
The exercise exposes participants to complex scenarios whilst utilising some of the most advanced aircraft and battlespace systems, in one of the biggest areas of military training airspace in the world.
For the first time, the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Papua New Guinea and embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei will participate in the exercise.
In addition, aircraft from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States; and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand will also participate.
Aircraft will operate from RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, with additional tanker and transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.
“Exercise Pitch Black is our premier activity for international engagement, held every two years to build stronger ties with like-minded nations,” Exercise Director Air Commodore Peter Robinson said.
“Training with our partner nations throughout Exercise Pitch Black demonstrates our commitment to the shared value of sustaining peace and stability across the region.
“The Northern Territory is a big part of what makes this exercise a success, and allows visitors a unique opportunity to experience Australia.
“Air Force will show its sincere thanks to our local community through the Mindil Beach flying display on 18 July, and the RAAF Base Darwin Open Day on 20 July.”
Late last month, the Australian Defence Force also welcomed a fighter aircraft detachment from the Republic of Singapore Air Force to RAAF Base Pearce.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force will be hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force from 24 June to 18 October this year.
On 24 June, the first detachment was welcomed by Senior ADF Officer Wing Commander Greg Porche, who said that hosting the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) promotes already-strong aviation cooperation.
“We welcome a new element of the Republic of Singapore Air Force to RAAF Base Pearce, who have established an aviation training presence here over the past 30 years,” WGCDR Porche said.
As part of community engagement activities for the detachment, a Community Stakeholder Day was held on 28 June to provide key members of the local community an experience to view the visiting RSAF aircraft first-hand and engage with the Republic of Singapore Air Force personnel.
