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Italian aircraft carrier and national flagship Cavour has sailed to Darwin ahead of the largest iteration of international air combat training activity Exercise Pitch Black.
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Cavour sailed to Darwin alongside Italian frigate Alpino, marking the first time that an aircraft carrier has taken part in Exercise Pitch Black.
Exercise Pitch Black tests the use of aircraft and battle management systems across complex scenarios, with aircraft operating from the Northern Territory’s RAAF Base Darwin and Tindal, and additional tanker and transport aircraft operating from Queensland’s RAAF Base Amberley.
One hundred forty aircraft and 4,000 personnel are expected to participate in the activity, with the Philippines, Spain, Italy and Papua New Guinea and embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei taking part for the first time.
“Exercise Pitch Black is our premier activity for international engagement, held every two years to build stronger ties with like-minded nations,” Exercise Director Air Commodore Peter Robinson said.
Exercise Pitch Black will also include participants from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand.
It will be held between the 12th of July to the 2nd of August.
“Training with our partner nations throughout Exercise Pitch Black demonstrates our commitment to the shared value of sustaining peace and stability across the region,” AIRCMDRE Robinson continued.
“The Northern Territory is a big part of what makes this exercise a success and allows visitors a unique opportunity to experience Australia.
“Air Force will show its sincere thanks to our local community through the Mindil Beach flying display on 18 July and the RAAF Base Darwin Open Day on 20 July.”
