RAF Typhoons and a Voyager have begun flying sorties as part of Exercise Pitch Black in Australia.
The six Typhoons from XI (F) Squadron, from RAF Coningsby, are currently based at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin with the Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton's Air Mobility Force operating from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberly.
Exercise Pitch Black began on the 12th July 2024 and will run until 2nd August 2024. Held every two years, Exercise Pitch Black focuses on large scale air missions involving significant numbers of international aircraft and will be the largest in its 43-year history with 20 nations, over 140 aircraft, and up to 4,500 personnel deployed on the exercise.
“Exercise Pitch Black provides an excellent opportunity for the Royal Air Force to work with a variety of other nations, some of whom we have operated alongside previously and some others for the first time.
Wing Commander Robertson
Detachment Commander
Wing Commander Robertson said, “The training offered by Exercise Pitch Black is almost unique due to the expanse of Australia, giving pilots exposure to new challenges such as the increased range of operations and sheer number of adversary aircraft that can fit into the vast training airspace. Giving our respective nations a chance to integrate at this detailed, tactical level across all trades and professions strengthens our relationships and ensures interoperability in the future.’’
The exercise was preceded by Exercise Griffin Strike, a 9,000 mile trail from the UK undertaken jointly with the French Air and Space force in a display of long range air power projection.
For the RAF, a significant benefit of Exercise Pitch Black is providing experience in how to deploy over great distances and sustain air operations at range in the Indo-Pacific, whilst working with partner nations in order to foster stronger ties.
