FA-50PH jets to 'dogfight' with Thai 'Gripen' in Pitch Black 2024

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2024): FA-50PH jets to 'dogfight' with Thai 'Gripen' in Pitch Black 2024 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PAF spokesperson Ma. Consuelo Castillo (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" light jet fighters and their pilots are scheduled to "dogfight" with Royal Thai Air Force's (RTAF) JAS-39 "Gripen" aircraft on Tuesday, as part of the ongoing "Pitch Black" exercises in Darwin, Australia.

"Upcoming today, we are going to have dissimilar aircraft combat tactics with the Thailand Air Force (RTAF) with their Gripen (multi-role fighters)," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a press briefing at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City Tuesday.

Dissimilar aircraft combat tactics refer to air combat training where two different air platforms oppose each other in a drill.

These activities will boost the air defense capabilities of the PAF fighter pilots.

It is also useful in training for the interception of unidentified or hostile aircraft that might enter Philippine airspace.

Incidentally, the PAF is also looking at acquiring Swedish SAAB-made "Gripen" to beef up the FA-50PH fleet along with Lockheed Martin F-16 jet fighters.

For this year's 'Pitch Black", the PAF deployed four FA-50PHs and a C-130 tactical transport along with 162 personnel for the exercise which will run from July 12 to Aug. 2.

Castillo also said such drills are ongoing as "fighter aircraft operations" with different countries are part of the drills' goals.

Aside from this, "Pitch Black" participants are preparing for "large force deployment" where there will be at least 100 hundred aircraft in the air, she added.

These planes will also conduct "defensive and offensive maneuvers" while taking part in these exercises.

Castillo earlier said this is the first time the PAF has deployed military aircraft to an international exercise.

This year's 'Pitch Black' drills would also involve field training exercises, flight integration training, and training on large force employment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229066