Top End skies are busy this week as International Air Forces arrive in the Northern Territory for Exercise Pitch Black, Australia’s largest multinational air combat exercise.
This year’s iteration brings together 20 nations, more than 100 aircraft and 2500 personnel to enhance regional air power cooperation from July 20 to August 7 across RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley.
The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) was among the arrivals with five F-16 Fighting Falcons and two supporting KC-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft flying more than 5900 kilometres to Darwin.
ROKAF pilot Captain Kin enjoyed the Top end heat on arrival in Darwin and was eager to get to work integrating South Korea into the Pitch Black flying program.
“It is Korea’s third time on Exercise Pitch Black and we are so excited to be in Darwin with all the participating international nations,” Captain Kin said.
The Royal Thai Air Force was the next to arrive with their F-16A/B Fighting Falcons, followed by the German Air Force with its A400M Atlas, and later, contingents from Singapore, Japan and Indonesia.
The mood on base is one of anticipation as crews settle in and prepare for flying exercises to begin on July 20.
The Commanding Officer of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) 302 Tactical Fighter Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Yuta Abe, said the exercise remains a key fixture on their training calendar.
“My goal for Exercise Pitch Black is to further enhance the tactical capability of units through joint training in Australia’s realistic and challenging training environment,” Lieutenant Colonel Abe said.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to train alongside personnel from many partner nations.
“Through this exercise, I hope to deepen mutual understanding, build stronger partnerships and enhance interoperability, all of which contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Over the coming days, aircrews will familiarise themselves with the Northern Territory airspace, and begin mission planning ahead of the exercise’s first flying phase.
The Darwin community will get its own look at the action later this month with the Mindil Beach Flying Display set for July 23 and the RAAF Darwin Open Day on August 1.
For now, though, all eyes look to NT skies as Darwin prepares to host one of the most concentrated gatherings of international air power anywhere in the world.
