A Royal Malaysian Air Force’s F/A-18D Hornet at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 2018. Credit: SGT Rob Hack © Commonwealth of Australia Department of Defence.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has commenced this year’s Exercise Pitch Black in the northern territory of the country.

Exercise Pitch Black 18 involves the participation of more than 4,000 personnel and 140 military aircraft from different countries across the globe.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The participating nations include Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, and the US amongst others.

The exercise is part of the USAF’s biennial, capstone International Engagement activity with participation from nearly 15 airforces from different regional and coalition nations.

“The exercise will be conducted in northern Australia until 17 August, with forces predominantly based at RAAF Darwin and RAAF Tindal and a forward operating base at Batchelor Aerodrome.”

According to Australia air vice-marshal (AVM) Steve Roberton, the exercise focuses on improving regional partnerships, enhancing interoperability and promoting regional stability.

Roberton said: “The exercise will be conducted in northern Australia from today until 17 August, with forces predominantly based at RAAF Darwin and RAAF Tindal and a forward operating base at Batchelor Aerodrome.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Exercise Pitch Black is a large-scale operational collective training activity that includes both day and night flights using fast jets, transport and other aircraft in a multi-national coalition environment.

Roberton added: “We thank the territory community for their support and will hold a number of public events, including a Mindil Beach flying display on 2 August, RAAF Darwin Open Day on 4 August and other activities.

“We also look forward to showcasing the northern territory to our international visitors, it’s a great part of the world to visit at this time of the year.”