All systems go on largest Pitch Black

In the presence of friends, and surrounded by allied aircraft on the heat of the flightline, senior ADF officers and detachment commanders from around the world welcomed domestic and international media to RAAF Base Darwin to officially open Exercise Pitch Black 2024.

CAPTION: Head of Air Shows Air Force, Air Commodore Micka Grey, talks during the media launch event for the start of Exercise Pitch Black held at RAAF Base Darwin. Story by Flight Lieutenant Matthew Edwards. Photos by Sergeant David Gibbs.

This year is the largest iteration of the exercise in its 43-year history, with 20 participating nations bringing 140 aircraft and 4500 personnel across northern Australia.

This includes the first time participation of Spain, Italy, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Brunei and the Philippines, as well as the first time involvement of an aircraft carrier; the Italian Navy ‘Cavour’.

Air Commodore Pete Robinson, Officer Commanding Exercise Pitch Black, emphasised the importance of cooperation for this iteration.

“We will take the strengths of each of these countries and the qualities of the people we bring together,” Air Commodore Robinson said.

“During these three weeks we will fight together, we will work together and we will play together.”

This large-scale multi-national training activity includes combat aircraft flying offensive counter-air, air interdiction and strike missions with air-to-air refuelling, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic attack and airlift support.

“We will build new tactics, capabilities, strengths and huge, strong relationships that will keep both Australia and our region safe and secure for the foreseeable future,” Air Commodore Robinson said.

As part of the exercise, Mindil Beach will again play host to a flying display featuring over 40 aircraft from nations participating in Pitch Black.

An Exercise Pitch Black open day will also be held, with RAAF Base Darwin opening its gates on July 20 to the community, offering a wide range of exhibits, displays and other activities.

Air Commodore Micka Gray, Head of Air Shows for Air Force, was thankful for the support of the local community, and looked forward to giving back through these events.

“The flypast at Mindil Beach and the open day here allows people to understand it’s more than just taking off and landing,” Air Commodore Gray said.

“We really look forward to hosting all the visitors and the residents who are in Darwin as part of our giving back to the community.”

Flying for the activity began on July 15, with aircraft operating from RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, Amberley and Curtin.

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