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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Air Force joins Australia-led 'Pitch Black' exercise in milestone feat

PH Air Force joins Australia-led 'Pitch Black' exercise in milestone feat

Published Sep 2, 2022 12:35 pm

For the first time, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed air battle managers in the biennial Exercise Pitch Black 2022 (PBK22) which is being hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Darwin, Australia.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) delegation with other Canadian participants discuss air battle managment integration techniques during the Exercise Pitch Black 2022 (PBK22) in Darwin, Australia. The PBK22 is being held from Aug. 19 to Sept. 8, 2022. (Photo by PAF)

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, said this year's iteration of PBK22 began on August 19 and will conclude on Sept. 8.

"In 2016 and 2018, the PAF contingents were sent only as observers to Exercise Pitch Black. However, this is the first time that the PAF had actual participants as air battle managers," Castillo told the Manila Bulletin on Friday, Sept. 2.

A total of 17 countries, around 100 fighter and support aircraft, and approximately 2,500 personnel from Australia -- the host country -- and participants were taking part in the exercise such as Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States.

"Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial event and is considered the most significant tactical air activity conducted in the region,” Castillo emphasized.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Indonesian Air Force air battle managers work together in managing air battle scenarios as part of the Exercise Pitch Black 2022 (PBK22) in Darwin, Australia. The PBK22 is being held from Aug. 19 to Sept. 8, 2022. (Photo by PAF)

The exercise, which began in 1981, seeks to evaluate international air forces' planning and execution of large force employment, offensive counter air, and air interdiction scenarios in a complex environment while enhancing regional security through multi-national interoperability.

Meanwhile, participants are able to enhance their capabilities in air campaign planning and air battle management while strengthening its relationship and cooperation with foreign counterparts.

Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr., PAF Commanding General, and Maj. Gen. Augustine Malinit, commander of PAF Air Defense Command, will take part and observe in the last week of the exercise where PAF battle managers from the 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing (ACCW) will take lead and support roles in exercise scenarios.

Consuelo said the PAF is looking forward to have a “more extensive participation” in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 as it plans to deploy its FA-50 light combat aircraft, which were instrumental in liberating Marawi City from terrorists in 2017.

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