Dominating the skies of the Northern Territory, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning II will take part in Exercise Pitch Black for the first time.
The transition of the 3rd and 75th Squadrons from the classic Hornet to the F-35A since the last black exercise will put the RAAF’s fifth-generation aircraft on track in a multinational air combat environment.
Adrian Kiely, 3rd Squadron Commander, Wing Commander, said Pitch Black provides an excellent opportunity for our partners to conduct detailed training through large-scale mission planning and execution.
“Exercise Pitch Black is the largest Australian international exercise the 81st Wing has participated in since transitioning to the F-35A, and we are excited about the opportunity to integrate the jet’s advanced capabilities with our many international partners,” said Wing Commander Kiely.
“Throughout the exercise, our goal is to improve our collective air combat capability in a complex and contested environment.
“Our focus on Pitch Black is to strengthen international integration, which is critical to further improving our ability to come together as an efficient and interoperable force.”
Pitch Black is a biennial, three-week multinational exercise that 17 countries, including Australia, participated in from August 19 to September 8 this year.
Wing Commander Keeley said the local community will have the opportunity to experience the F-35A in action while the 3rd Squadron is deployed at the top.
“The RAAF Darwin base is one of the premier air combat training locations in the world,” he said.
“Darwin’s base and support agencies are very good at facilitating the deployment of large-scale troops, and the military airspace in the Northern Territory is one of the best in the world.
“We are very grateful for the continued support of Northern Territory residents, particularly the local Darwin community.
“We look forward to engaging the public with the F-35A maneuvering display at Mindil Beach and on the ground during the RAAF Darwin Open House.”
