With the participation of 20 countries, Pitch Black is the latest in a series of multilateral exercises designed to enhance the air operations, interoperability, and integration of the participating Air Forces. The exercise, which is held on Australian soil between Darwin and Tindal Air Bases of the Royal Australian Air Force, is set to conclude shortly.
For many, Pitch Black is one of the largest exercises of the year, not only due to the large number of personnel involved but also because of the extensive aircraft presence. This edition features Australia, Singapore, Italy, Indonesia, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Spain, Brunei, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Canada, and Timor-Leste.
The diverse range of air units includes combat aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, fifth-generation F-35s, Indian Sukhoi Su-30s, Thai Gripens, and Indonesian F-16s. Additionally, aerial refueling aircraft like the KC-767 and A330, and command and control platforms such as the E-550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning have been deployed.
A statement from the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) highlighted that this is the first time a fifth-generation F-22A fighter has participated in the exercise, providing many countries the opportunity not only to see the aircraft in the air for the first time but also to fly and integrate with it.
An official noted that “the most important aspect of Pitch Black and why it truly matters is, ultimately, the relationships we are building with other countries.” In this regard, the Pitch Black exercise in the Indo-Pacific region complements other drills such as Arctic Defender, Nippon Skies, and RIMPAC 2024, showcasing the region’s significance to both Western and Eastern allied nations.
Moreover, for the participating countries, it is also a statement about their combined deployment capabilities and the strength they possess to operate anywhere in the world.
You may also like: The U.S. Air Force deployed its B-52H bombers to Alaska as part of Exercise Arctic Defender
