The participation of the Plus Ultra group in Exercise Pitch Black starts

• 140 aircrafts from more than 20 countries meet in Australia in order to promote and strengthen international defence relations and to enhance interoperability

The Spanish participation in the Pitch Black, an exercise that will last until the 2nd of August and in which aircrafts from Australia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Guinea, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom and Spain participate, begins. Moreover, observers from eleven countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam) take part in it.

The first week of this exercise in Australian fields has been dedicated to integration missions, and the following two weeks will be oriented towards LFE (Large Force Employment), which will be developed in two waves of daytime activities and another one of nighttime.

The Spanish Eurofighters have been incorporated in the second week, after their arrival from Japan last 20th July.

The Pitch Black is the main tactical exercise of the Royal Australian Air Force. It is hold every two years and stands out for its distinct multinational character. This is the first time that Spain participates and it is intended to provide training to our air force crews, along with those of the other participating nations, in Air-Ground Attack missions, with simulated use of weapons, together with Air Control missions, employing simulated Air-to-Air weaponry.

Another major goal of the Pitch Black is the integration of the command and control networks with units from other countries, including updates of the OBE (Electronic Order of Battle) by means of AWACS and fifth generation platforms.

The tactical exercise Pitch Black does not only represent an exceptional opportunity for the upgrading of operational and tactical skills of air forces from more than 20 countries, but also stands out as an emblem of multinational collaboration and international cohesion. The global participation in this exercise stresses the importance of cooperation and interoperability in an increasingly interconnected world, strengthening ties between nations and promoting a security and peace environment worldwide. It is also aimed at demonstrating the projection capabilities of the Spanish Air and Space Force.