Filipino pilots fly fighter jets during multilateral Pitch Black military drills in Australia

Filipino pilots flew fighter jets during the Australia-led Pitch Black military exercises in the city of Darwin in the Northern Territory.

Footage shows a Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilot manoeuvring an FA-50 fighter aircraft while approaching the Darwin Airport on July 10.

This year marks the first time the Philippines deployed air assets to participate in the drills. It 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.