The government sent 162 Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel for Pitch Black 2024 Military exercises in Darwin, Australia.
The first batch of the PAF contingent, along with essential equipment and operational cargo, arrived in Australia on Sunday, marking the beginning of PAF’s participation in the prestigious exercise.
PAF Spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo told Manila Standard that the Manila contingent for the said exercises is composed of 150 male and 12 female personnel.
The members of the contingent came from different units of PAF such as Coordinating staff, Air Force Systems Engineering Office, Air Force Public Affairs Office, 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing, 220th Airlift Wing, 5th Fighter Wing, Air Defense Command, Air Force Command Center, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, 505th Search and Rescue Group, 15th Strike Wing and 540th Air Base Group.
The PAF contingent was ferried from the Philippines to Darwin via the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30 aircraft.
“PAF deployed its C130 and C 295 for mobility support for the exercise,” Castillo said.
According to Castillo, the contingent is expected to undergo two field training exercises (FTX) including Flight Integration Training (FIT) and Large Enforcement Employment (LFE).
“During FIT, PAF FA-50PHs will fly with other participating countries on various missions that include Basic Fighting Maneuvers (BFM), Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM), Dissimilar Air Combat Tactics (DACT).” Castillo told Manila Standard.
Castillo added that for LFE, PAF will focus on real-world scenarios executing Offensive Counterair and Defensive Counterair
PAF will also undergo Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Fighter, Maintenance, and Ground Operations.
The three-week exercise is scheduled to commence on July 12 and conclude on August 2, 2024.
