Exercise Pitch Black 2022 is the Royal Australian Air Force’s most significant International Engagement activity with forces participating from a wide range of partner and allied nations developing and enhancing military relationships at all levels.
Exercises such as this are pivotal to ensuring Air Force remains ready to respond whenever the Australian Government requires. The training and integration of forces that occurs during this exercise directly supports Air Force’s ability to conduct operations.
Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration, utilising one of the largest training airspace areas in the world - Bradshaw Field Training Area and Delamere Air Weapons Range.
The exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and up to 100 aircraft from around the globe including participants from Australia, France, Germany, Indonesia, India, Singapore, Japan, Republic of Korea, UK, the Philippines, Thailand, UAE, Canada, Netherlands, Malaysia, New Zealand and the US. Significantly, Germany, Japan, and the Republic of Korea will be participating fully for the first time.
Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognise Australia’s strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo- Pacific region.
Aviation Spotters Online was fortunate to obtain airside access on Monday at RAAF Base Darwin. Amongst many opportunities afforded, airside access along Darwin's main runway for the morning launch was a highlight.
Aircraft that are depicted in this video are the representative squadrons that are handling the detachment. You may see different markings on aircraft that don't represent whats on the screen.
Here's a more detailed list -
Royal Australian Air Force - Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II-
Operating under 3 Squadron, aircraft carrying markings from 77 + 75 Squadron, plus No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit.
Republic of Singapore Air Force - Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagle -
Operating under 149 Squadron 'Shikra' plus F-15SG wearing markings of 142 Squadron 'Gryphon'.
Republic of Korea Air Force- General Dynamics KF-16U Falcon - Operating under the 19th Fighter Wing, with some jets wearing 20th + 38th Fighter Wing markings.
Armee de l'air et de l'Espace - Dassalt Rafale B- Operating under the 4 Escadre de Chasse with aircraft wearing markings from 1/4 'Gascogne' plus 2/4 'Lafayette', with aircrews from all 4 Rafale wings.