Philippine Air Force joins Australian-led Pitch Black exercises

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) sent fighter jets and troops to join the Pitch Black 2024 Multilateral Exercise in Australia.

Video shows the first batch of the PAF contingent arriving in the city of Darwin on July 8.

PAF spokesman Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo said: 'The PAF contingent was ferried from the Philippines to Darwin via the RAAF KC-30 aircraft. The crucial equipment and operational cargo were transported by the RAAF C-130 and PAF C-295 aircraft, ensuring the seamless arrival of all necessary assets for the exercise. The main contingent will fly to Darwin a few days from now, prior to the official start of the exercise.'

The spokesman added that this marks the first time the Philippines deployed air assets - four KAI FA-50 PH Golden Eagle light combat aircraft - to participate in the drills. The country was previously limited to sending observers. Pitch Black 2024 is a biennial Australian and international military exercise. This year's training involves 20 nations, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, South Korea, and the United States.

The Philippines' participation in the drills comes amid its territorial dispute with neighbouring China over parts of the South China Sea.