Anthony Albanese launches Exercise Pitch Black in Darwin as US Iran conflict escalates
More than 100 military aircraft from 20 partner nations have arrived in Darwin for Exercise Pitch Black as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.
More than 100 military aircraft and personnel from 20 partner nations have gathered in the Northern Territory for the Royal Australian Air Force’s largest exercise as the conflict in the Middle East threatens to spiral into all-out war between the United States and Iran.
The biennial Exercise Pitch Black, which formally begins on Monday, is taking place as the US steps up its targeting of key infrastructure in Iran, following the death of at least two American soldiers.
Exercise Pitch Black Commander Air Commodore Matthew McCormack says the continual training of forces allows the RAAF to ensure it is ready at a moment’s notice should someone threaten Australia’s security.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Air Commodore insisted that aviators taking part in Exercise Pitch Black were not training for any one specific threat.
“It’s all about the defence of the nation. I am continually impressed with the expertise of all our regional partners, which is comforting in the deteriorating global environment that they are our friends,” the RAAF officer said.
“We learn a lot from the other Air Forces as well which improves. What it does then is allow us to understand how we work together in peacetime and training operations so that, if required, we are effective and lethal if we need to go to combat together.”
On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will officially launch the event in Darwin, where it has been hosted for over 40 years.
“Australia is strongest when we work closely with our partners,” he said in a statement ahead of the opening.
“Exercise Pitch Black strengthens those partnerships and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to working closely across our region to support peace, stability and security.
Defence Minister Richard Marles described Exercise Pitch Black as “one of the most complex and significant air exercises” which occurs in the Indo-Pacific and said this year’s would be one of the largest in its history.
“Through this exercise, our Air Force is showcasing Australia’s ability to bring together partners from the region and beyond to enhance interoperability and deepen defence cooperation,” he said.
Aircraft from the United States, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Republic of Korea, India, Singapore, Germany, France and Spain will take to the skies above Australia’s north during the exercises. Embedded personnel from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, Brunei, Malaysia are also taking part, as well as military aviators from Finland and Sweden for the first time.
The United States Air Force has deployed C-130J, F-35A and KC-135 aircraft while the Royal Air Force has sent over its Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker.
