Flying operations for Pitch Black 2024 (PB24) commenced on Monday with four Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH jets taking to the skies alongside aircraft from other participating nations.
Pitch Black 2024, a premier multinational air combat exercise, brings together air forces from around the world to enhance interoperability, improve tactical skills, and strengthen international partnerships.
This year’s exercise sees participation from 20 countries, “making it one of the largest and most diverse in the event’s history,” as PAF described.
On the first day, two of PAF’s FA-50PH aircraft, known for their agility and advanced capabilities, flew alongside two Royal Australian Air Force F-18 Hornets for a Basic Fighter Maneuver (BFM) exercise.
Subsequently, on July 16, 2024, PAF’s FA-50s also flew alongside the Indonesian Air Force’s F-16s for another BFM exercise, which was followed by a Dissimilar Air Combat Tactics (DACT) exercise with the PAF’s FA-50s flying alongside the Royal Thai Air Force’s JAS-39 Gripen.
“The coordinated maneuvers and air-to-air engagement demonstrated a high level of skill and cooperation among the participating air forces,” PAF Spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo said.
The air-to-air engagement also included a variety of complex scenarios designed to test the participants’ readiness and adaptability in a multinational setting.
“These exercises are crucial for building mutual trust and understanding among the participating nations,” Castillo added.
Pitch Black 2024 will continue over the coming weeks, featuring intensive air combat training, ground operations, and various collaborative activities.
The exercise aims to enhance the operational capabilities of all participating air forces and to promote peace and stability in the region.
