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Flight operations have been suspended at Exercise Pitch Black following the crash of an international military aircraft in the Northern Territory.
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The Royal Australian Air Force’s premier biennial flying activity for strengthening international engagement, Exercise Pitch Black 24, has been undertaking operations with the assistance of 20 nations and one multinational element, from 12 July to 2 August.
However, the exercise has reportedly been halted due to the ejection of a pilot and subsequent crash of a participating aircraft.
An international participant is safe and well after ejecting from their aircraft earlier today during flying operations, according to a statement issued by Defence.
Australian Defence Force personnel reportedly responded to an aircraft emergency in the exercise area, were contacted by the ejected pilot and coordinated recovery of them with a search and rescue helicopter.
The exercise features first-time participation with aircraft from Italy, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Spain, and personnel from Brunei and Fiji.
Military personnel worked from RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley for three weeks of large-force employment missions in military airspace over the Northern Territory.
Earlier this month it was announced that Italian aircraft carrier and national flagship Cavour had sailed to Darwin ahead of the largest iteration of international air combat training activity Exercise Pitch Black.
Cavour sailed to Darwin alongside Italian frigate Alpino, marking the first time that an aircraft carrier has taken part in Exercise Pitch Black.
More to come.
