Philippines joins biennial aircraft exercise in Australia

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has participated in the biennial Exercise Pitch Black hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force.

In a statement, PAF said the exercise started last August 19 and is expected to conclude on September 8, 2022.

“Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial event and is considered the most significant tactical air activity conducted in the region,” PAF said.

“It focuses on Large Force Employment and covers the complex management of Air operations. Participating Air Forces aim to enhance their capabilities in Air Campaign Planning and Air Battle Management,” it added.

Aside from these, PAF said the exercise also aims to enhance regional security through multi-national interoperability.

“This presents PAF opportunities to strengthen its relationship and cooperation with other Air Forces,” it said.

“The PAF aims to have a more extensive participation in the next iteration of Exercise Pitch Black in 2024 by projecting the involvement of its FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft," it added

Meanwhile, PAF commanding general Lieutenant General Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. and commander of air defense command Major General Augustine Malinit are expected to take part and observe in the last week of the exercise.

They will be accompanied by PAF Air Battle Managers of the 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing of the Air Defense Command as lead and support roles in the conduct of the exercise scenarios.

About 2,500 personnel and 100 aircraft from Philippines, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, United States, and Australia are participating in the exercise.—Mel Matthew Doctor/LDF, GMA News