Camille Naredo

Two PAF FA-50 fighter aircraft in formation with two U.S. PACAF B-1 aircraft during the joint Air Patrols and Air Intercept Training over the West Philippine Sea on February 4, 2025.  Courtesy of Philippine Airforce

Article (news)

WEST PH SEA- Airforce

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed four FA-50 fighter jets, a C-130 transport aircraft, and more than 200 personnel to Northern Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier biennial multinational air combat exercise.PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the Philippine contingent includes two elements of FA-50 fighter jets—equivalent to four aircraft—and one C-130, along with pilots, maintenance crews, technicians, and air battle managers.“We have more than 200,” Basco told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday.The exercise will be held from July 17 to August 7.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/17/ph-air-force-says-acquisition-of-multi-role-fighters-still-part-of-plans-1551">READ: PH Air Force says acquisition of multi-role fighters still part of plans</a></div>It will bring together air forces from 21 partner nations to conduct complex tactical flying missions and integrated multinational training.While she declined to discuss the specific operational scenarios that the Philippine contingent will undertake, Basco confirmed that counter-air operations will be among the activities.“I could not discuss the specifics regarding that, but for sure, there would be counter-air because all of the exercises there are part of a multinational air combat exercise,” the official said. “So we would be learning as it goes.”“We also have deployed air battle managers with our contingent who would be overseeing the parts of the exercises that we would be participating in,” she added.According to Basco, Pitch Black serves as an important venue for enhancing interoperability, strengthening operational readiness, and deepening defense cooperation among participating air forces.Before departing for Australia, the Philippine contingent attended a send-off ceremony on July 6 at Clark Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga, led by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura.During the ceremony, Cordura emphasized professionalism, discipline, and mission readiness as the contingent prepared to represent the country in one of the Indo-Pacific region’s largest multinational air combat exercises.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed four FA-50 fighter jets, a C-130 transport aircraft, and more than 200 personnel to Northern Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier biennial multinational air combat exercise.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed four FA-50 fighter jets, a C-130 transport aircraft, and more than 200 personnel to Northern Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier biennial multinational air combat exercise.

PAF deploys FA-50 fighter jets, C-130, over 200 personnel for Pitch Black in Australia

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PAF deploys FA-50 fighter jets, C-130, over 200 personnel for Pitch Black in Australia

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 14, 2026 06:40 PM PHT

Read More:

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine Air Force

Pitch Black

Australia

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