FA-50PH jets, pilots to focus on 'Pitch Black' combat tactics

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2024): FA-50PH jets, pilots to focus on 'Pitch Black' combat tactics (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PITCH BLACK. One of the four FA-50PHs light jet fighters of the Philippine Air Force lands at the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Darwin, Australia on July 10, 2024. These aircraft will take part in the “Pitch Black" exercise from July 12 to Aug. 2. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PHs light jet fighters and their pilots will focus on fighter combat tactics in this year's "Pitch Black" exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in the airspace of Australia's northern city of Darwin.

"Exercises of (the) FA-50s include basic fighting maneuvers, air combat maneuvering, and other fighter aircraft tactics," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in an interview Thursday night.

These exercises are aimed at boosting the proficiency of Filipino fighter pilots in air combat, she added.

The PAF deployed four FA-50PHs and a C-130 transport aircraft, along with 162 personnel for "Pitch Black," which opens on Friday and runs until Aug. 2.

Castillo said the reduction in the deployment of airplanes from six in initial plans to four would "ensure that we have enough aircraft here to respond to operational requirements here in the country."

The aircraft and personnel were deployed from July 7 to 10.

"This exercise is a historic event as it is the first time that the PAF has sent its aircraft overseas for an international exercise," Castillo said.

Aside from air combat maneuvers involving the FA-50PHs, the PAF contingent will also participate in other "Pitch Black" drills, she said.

"There will be field training exercises, flight integration training, and training on large-force employment. Other participants will also take part in several community engagements, sports activities, and socialization with Filipino communities in Australia," she added.

The FA-50PHs, capable of speeds of up to Mach 1.5, are the most capable and potent aircraft in the PAF inventory. About 12 FA-50PHs were acquired from the Korea Aerospace Industries for PHP18.9 billion.

"Pitch Black" is a biennial exercise conducted by the RAAF.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228830