Philippine Air Force to send aircraft to international exercise for first time

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday said that it will be sending aircraft to an international exercise for the first time.

In a press conference, PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo said four to six aircraft and around 150 personnel will be deployed as the country's contingent to Exercise Pitch Black in Australia.

“This is a big thing for the Air Force because it means that we are really developing our capabilities,” Castillo said.

Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial "multi-national large force employment exercise" that takes place over three weeks.

The PAF said it is considered the most significant tactical air activity conducted in the region. It focuses on large force employment and covers the complex management of air operations. Participating troops aim to enhance their capabilities in air campaign planning and air battle management.

The PAF said the exercise also aims to enhance regional security through multi-national interoperability.

During the previous iterations of Pitch Black, Castillo said, the PAF deployed personnel to participate as observers only. This year’s Pitch Black Exercise will be held around July to August. — BM, GMA Integrated News