The Philippine Air Force (PAF) initial contingents arrived in Darwin, Australia for the Military Exercise Pitch Black 2024 (PBK24) on Sunday.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo released a statement on Monday, about the arrival of the PAF contingents, along with the “essential equipment and operational cargo” in Darwin.
Contingents were ferried from the Philippines to Australia through the KC-30 aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), while the crucial equipment and operational cargo were transported by the RAAF C-130 and PAF C-295 aircraft.
This year’s Pitch Black exercises would be hosted by RAAF from July 12 to August 2. PBK24 is a renowned large-scale and multinational large force employment that will host three-week military drills, emphasizing on the Offensive Counter Air and Air Interdiction operations in a multi-national coalition environment.
This year marks PAF’s monumental stride, as they serve as the first deployed air assets to participate in international exercises outside the Philippines. Castillo added that the group came prepared to engage in the operations and contribute to the exercise’s overall success.
"The participation of the Philippine Air Force in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 is a pivotal opportunity to enhance our operational capabilities, strengthen international partnerships, and reinforce our commitment to regional security and stability. Our involvement in this exercise is crucial to advancing our readiness, interoperability, and professionalism as an Air Force," Castillo stated.
