Philippine Air Force announces first active engagement in Australia's Exercise Pitch Black.

As reported by GMA News on April 23, 2024, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced its first-time participation in Exercise Pitch Black, an international military exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Scheduled from July 15 to August 1, 2024, in Northern Australia, this marks a new phase for the PAF as they transition from observer status to active participants.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

As of 2023, the Philippine Air Force’s fleet included 12 FA-50PH Fighting Eagles for fighter/ground attack missions. (Picture source: PAF)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) plans to send between four to six aircraft and approximately 150 personnel to participate in Exercise Pitch Black, according to PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo. This deployment marks the first time the PAF will participate actively rather than as observers, a role they have historically filled during previous iterations of the exercise. The specifics regarding the types of aircraft to be included in the deployment have not been finalized, but there is potential for support aircraft such as the C-130 or C-295M to be involved. These aircraft would carry the necessary ground crew, support equipment, and spare parts to support the fighter jets.

As of 2023, the Philippine Air Force’s fleet included various aircraft configured for different roles: 12 FA-50PH Fighting Eagles for fighter/ground attack missions; three maritime patrol aircraft including one C-130T, one F-27-200 MPA, and one N-22SL Searchmaster; 11 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft such as two Cessna 208B Grand Caravans and nine OV-10A/C Broncos; and 17 transport aircraft split between medium and light, including several models of the C-130 Hercules and C295.

The training fleet consisted of 45 aircraft, including six EMB-314 Super Tucanos and twelve S-211s. The helicopter fleet included four attack helicopters (two AH-1S Cobras and two T129Bs), 39 multi-role helicopters (including eight W-3A Sokols and eight AW109Es), and 35 transport helicopters (including sixteen S-70i Black Hawks). Additionally, the PAF operated five medium-range ISR unmanned aerial vehicles, including two Blue Horizon IIs and one Hermes 450.

Exercise Pitch Black, held biennially, is an international military exercise hosted by the RAAF in Northern Australia. Lasting three weeks, the exercise focuses on Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA) operations within a simulated war environment. It features participation from various countries and involves realistic scenarios including both 'red team' and 'blue team' combat exercises. The vast Australian training airspace facilitates extensive tactical flying activities, providing a unique opportunity for participating nations to enhance interoperability, air campaign planning, and air battle management, while strengthening military relationships​​.

The exercise has a history dating back to June 1981, with the first international participants joining in 1983 from the United States, followed by Singapore in 1990. Other participants over the years have included France, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Countries that cannot participate directly have the option to send observers.

Previous iterations of the exercise have primarily taken place in the Northern Territory, with exceptions like the 2002 exercise, which was scaled down and held at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Bases Amberley and Williamtown on the Australian east coast. RAAF Base Glenbrook, near Sydney, typically serves as the command and control center, simulating a real-world conflict scenario.

Scheduled for July 15 to August 1, 2024, the upcoming Exercise Pitch Black is expected to involve over 2,500 personnel and up to 100 aircraft from around the world. Activities will be based out of Darwin and Tindal, offering an extensive operational space for tactical flying activities that simulate real-world combat scenarios but also serve as a critical international engagement for the RAAF.