Pitch black 2024
The Pitch Black exercise has come a long way since its modest beginnings. Originally lasting only three days and involving RAAF Bases Williamtown, Amberley, and Richmond, it has now evolved into a three-week event. In 1983, the exercise was relocated to RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory (NT) and extended to four days, marking a significant milestone in its growth and development. This year, the exercise reached new heights, with RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley hosting participants from various countries. This demonstrates the exercise's continued expansion and its importance in the international military community. As one of the largest multilateral air warfare exercises in the world, Pitch Black serves as a premier training opportunity for participants to enhance their skills and strengthen partnerships with other nations. From its humble origins to its present-day prominence, the evolution of Pitch Black reflects its vital role in shaping and improving the capabilities of air forces worldwide.
Air Commodore Pete Robinson, the Officer Commanding the exercise, noted that it successfully met the training and engagement goals of all participating nations while strengthening relationships and fostering friendships. “The feedback from all international partners and our own personnel alike was that Exercise Pitch Black 24 was a world-class air combat training activity,” he stated.
“More than 1,700 missions were flown during the exercise across an area about the size of Great Britain. The value of this exercise lies in the experience we've built with our international partners, as well as the friendships and relationships created both on the ground and in the air,” Air Commodore Robinson added.
First-time participants in Pitch Black 24 included aircraft and personnel from Italy (Air Force and Navy), Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Spain. Nations returning with participating aircraft included France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, Canada, Fiji, Brunei, and New Zealand contributed personnel.
The Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoons, from the XI (F) Squadron based at RAF Coningsby, participated. This squadron is one of two Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations in the UK and holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest dedicated fighter unit, established in 1915. They have served on the Western Front, in Burma during World War II, and in Libya in 2011.
The United States Air Force’s F-22 Raptor, tail number 09-4174, has been operating out of RAAF Base Tindal. This aircraft led the first group of Raptors to cross the border into Syria in 2014, marking it as the first Raptor to engage in combat.
The European Pacific Skies mission arrived at RAAF Base Darwin on the afternoon of Saturday, July 20. Composed of aircraft from France, Germany, and Spain, they participated in various international exercises, including Pitch Black 24. Squadron Commander Fernando Rojas Sevillano of the Spanish Air Force shared, “It’s not only about flying; it’s about logistics. It’s about how to combine maintenance with Germany and everything else with France. We must blend our strengths to execute a project of this magnitude.”
Air Commodore Pete Robinson concluded by saying, “The only thing to do is look forward to Pitch Black 2026. We say it won’t be bigger, but it probably will be. We look forward to returning to the Top End for what is an iconic and amazing exercise.”
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Defence Media team for being excellent hosts and for organizing an outstanding media program.
Air Commodore Pete Robinson, the Officer Commanding the exercise, noted that it successfully met the training and engagement goals of all participating nations while strengthening relationships and fostering friendships. “The feedback from all international partners and our own personnel alike was that Exercise Pitch Black 24 was a world-class air combat training activity,” he stated.
“More than 1,700 missions were flown during the exercise across an area about the size of Great Britain. The value of this exercise lies in the experience we've built with our international partners, as well as the friendships and relationships created both on the ground and in the air,” Air Commodore Robinson added.
First-time participants in Pitch Black 24 included aircraft and personnel from Italy (Air Force and Navy), Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Spain. Nations returning with participating aircraft included France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, Canada, Fiji, Brunei, and New Zealand contributed personnel.
The Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoons, from the XI (F) Squadron based at RAF Coningsby, participated. This squadron is one of two Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations in the UK and holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest dedicated fighter unit, established in 1915. They have served on the Western Front, in Burma during World War II, and in Libya in 2011.
The United States Air Force’s F-22 Raptor, tail number 09-4174, has been operating out of RAAF Base Tindal. This aircraft led the first group of Raptors to cross the border into Syria in 2014, marking it as the first Raptor to engage in combat.
The European Pacific Skies mission arrived at RAAF Base Darwin on the afternoon of Saturday, July 20. Composed of aircraft from France, Germany, and Spain, they participated in various international exercises, including Pitch Black 24. Squadron Commander Fernando Rojas Sevillano of the Spanish Air Force shared, “It’s not only about flying; it’s about logistics. It’s about how to combine maintenance with Germany and everything else with France. We must blend our strengths to execute a project of this magnitude.”
Air Commodore Pete Robinson concluded by saying, “The only thing to do is look forward to Pitch Black 2026. We say it won’t be bigger, but it probably will be. We look forward to returning to the Top End for what is an iconic and amazing exercise.”
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Defence Media team for being excellent hosts and for organizing an outstanding media program.
