The PAF expects to learn key lessons in air interdiction and counter-air operations through its deployment of four KAI FA-50PH attack aircraft in Exercise ‘Pitch Black 2024'. (Commonwealth of Australia)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed aircraft for the first time in Australia's biennial ‘Pitch Black' exercise in an effort to improve its air combat skills.
Four Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50PH Fighting Eagles arrived at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin on 10 July. According to the PAF, the FA-50PHs will conduct mock combat drills alongside and against a variety of combat aircraft from other air forces during the exercise. ‘Pitch Black' began on 12 July and is scheduled to end on 2 August.
According to PAF Detachment Commander in Australia Colonel Randy Pascua, the exercise presents the PAF with an opportunity to enhance its skills in dissimilar air combat tactics.
“In the Philippines, we are experts when it comes to air-to-surface strikes. [However], one component of ‘Pitch Black' is air interdiction as well as offensive counter-air operations,” Col Pascua said, adding that the PAF contingent expects to “enhance our mission readiness and capability”.
“We want to enhance our operational procedures and validate all our [existing] procedures,” he added.
According to the PAF, on 15 July two FA-50PHs flew alongside two RAAF F-18 Hornets for the basic fighter manoeuvre (BFM) exercise. “Subsequently, on 16 July the PAF's FA-50s also flew alongside the Indonesian Air Force's F-16s for another BFM exercise,” the PAF said.
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