Exercise Pitch Black 2024, the most extensive edition yet of the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier biennial flying exercise, was officially launched on July 12th in Darwin, Australia.
The opening ceremony took place at the Darwin Convention Centre and was attended by service members from various countries.
Leaders from the RAAF and Australian government addressed the assembly, highlighting the exercise’s growth and the participants’ intent to capitalize on this unique training opportunity.
“Pitch Black 24 will be the largest in the exercise’s 43-year history, bringing together 20 participating nations, over 140 aircraft from around the world, and more than 4,000 personnel,” stated Eva Lawler, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.
“The territory’s landscape and clear airspace provide an ideal environment for rigorous training exercises, preparing service members to face the challenges of modern warfare.”
This year’s exercise is notable not only for its size but also for the inclusion of six new participating countries: the Philippines, Spain, Italy, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Brunei.
RAAF Air Commodore Peter Robinson, Officer Commanding Exercise Pitch Black, emphasised the collaborative spirit of the event.
“We have brought like-minded nations together to exercise, build capabilities, friendships, and relationships. We leave the exercise much stronger as partners,” he said.
While Pitch Black is an Australian-led exercise, the U.S. Air Force has been a participant since 1983.
The exercise offers a unique opportunity to work with a diverse group of international military forces, enhancing global cooperation.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Nickell, USAF Pitch Black Detachment Commander, noted, “Pitch Black allows us to closely exercise with our allies and partners, strengthening our combined and joint capabilities. True integration requires understanding and trust, and this is our chance to learn from one another and contribute to regional stability through longstanding partnerships.”
Pitch Black began 43 years ago as a unilateral drill and evolved into a joint Australia-U.S. training event in 1983. It has since expanded in parallel with the growing geopolitical importance of the Indo-Pacific region. This year’s iteration involves 20 nations, and features more than 140 aircraft and over 4,000 personnel.
The actively participating nations this year are Australia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, Brunei, Canada, Fiji, and New Zealand will have personnel embedded in the exercise.
Italy, Spain, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines are attending this series for the first time. A notable first for the exercise itself is the participation of an aircraft carrier, the Italian Navy’s ITS Cavour, which will dedicate its time to the event.
Pitch Black provides an invaluable platform for international military collaboration, where participating nations can hone their skills, improve interoperability, and strengthen ties. The exercise underscores the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and the commitment of participating nations to maintaining regional stability and security.
The inclusion of new countries and an aircraft carrier reflects the evolving nature of Pitch Black, adapting to contemporary military needs and geopolitical dynamics. The exercise not only enhances military preparedness but also fosters diplomatic relations through shared experiences and mutual learning.
As Pitch Black 2024 progresses, it will serve as a testament to the power of international cooperation and the collective effort to address modern military challenges. The growth and evolution of Pitch Black highlight the importance of continued collaboration among nations to ensure a stable and secure future in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
