MANILA, Philippines – A total of 162 Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel, alongside the PAF’s C-130 Tactical Transport aircraft and four FA-50PH fighter jets, are in Darwin, Australia to participate in Pitch Black 2024, a joint military exercise that is bringing together the air forces of over 20 nations from across the globe.
The Philippines is participating in Pitch Black for the first time. According to a release from the PAF, it is also the “first time that the PAF has sent its aircraft overseas for an international exercise.”
The first batch of PAF personnel arrived on July 7, followed by the rest of the contingent on July 10. The contingent is led by Colonel Randy Pascua, Deputy Wing Commander of the 5th Fighter Wing.
The contingent will be in Australia until August 2 for the exercises.
– Rappler.com