Air forces from around the world will descend on Australia’s remote Northern Territory this month for a combat exercise of unprecedented scale. The Pitch Black exercise, running July 12-August 2, will see 20 nations participating, with over 140 aircraft and more than 4,000 personnel involved. Participating countries include Australia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, and others. Newcomers to the series this year are Italy, Spain, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, with the Italian Navy’s aircraft carrier ITS Cavour dedicating its time to the event.
A pan-European force comprising the French, German, and Spanish air forces is deploying to the Indo-Pacific region as part of their overarching operation called Pacific Skies. This European presence comes amid regional tension and increased military competition between the US and China. The goal is to bolster operational capability, strengthen military cooperation, and demonstrate air power in the region. Exercise Pitch Black provides an opportunity for NATO partners to validate global reach, build interoperability, and sustain stability in the region.
Asian air forces, including Japan’s Air-Self Defense Force, are also participating in the exercise to enhance tactical skills, improve interoperability with other forces, and deepen mutual understanding in the Indo-Pacific region. The overall objective of the exercise is to contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific, strengthen partnerships, and build stability across participating nations.
