Planning for next military Exercise Pitch Black in NT under way

PLANNING has begun for the next Exercise Pitch Black, with the major military exercise expected to diversify beyond the practice of air power in 2022

• Major RAAF military exercise Pitch Black cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions

PLANNING has begun for the next Exercise Pitch Black, with the major military exercise expected to diversify beyond the practice of air power in 2022.

The Royal Australian Air Force’s premier international engagement activity is traditionally held in the NT every two years but was cancelled for this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The return of the exercise in 2022 will see the return of regional neighbours flying Large Force Employment missions, with the RAAF, and RAAF debuting its F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

Director General Air Defence & Space in Air Force Headquarters Air Commodore Philip Gordon said the next exercise was also expected to diversify beyond air power alone and factor in future Defence capabilities in a multi-domain approach.

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“As an Air Force, we have already made the shift from deconflicted to co-ordinated operations and we are now working towards realising truly integrated operations,” he said.

“In the past, Pitch Black has focused heavily on air combat training. While this will always be a bedrock of our contribution to the joint force, I see Pitch Black increasingly moving to multi-domain operations with the increased inclusion of space and joint considerations.”

Director General Strategy and Policy within Air Force Headquarters Air Commodore Philip Champion said the exercise was still highly relevant to the region.

“Exercise Pitch Black is aimed at high-end air combat training and is a major opportunity to train with our partners on a large scale,” he said.

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“The rapidly evolving strategic environment in our near region, as outlined in the Defence Strategic Update 2020, will help focus Pitch Black towards the generation of integrated air and space effects that demonstrate our commitment to working closely with our partners in support of a free and prosperous Asia Pacific.”