The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed four FA-50 fighter jets and more than 200 personnel to Australia for a major multinational air combat exercise involving 21 countries.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the contingent departed from Basa Air Base in Pampanga last week to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026.
“Two elements of FA-50 and a C-130 (transport plane),” Basco said during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo when asked about the aircraft deployed for the exercise.
An aircraft element consists of two planes—a lead aircraft and a trail aircraft—bringing the total number of FA-50 jets sent to four.
“We have more than 200,” Basco said of the number of PAF personnel participating in the exercise.
The biennial exercise will be held in northern Australia from July 17 to August 7 and will involve air forces from 21 countries, including the United States.
Basco described Pitch Black as a “premier biennial multinational air combat exercise” and “one of the Indo-Pacific region’s largest multinational air combat exercises.”
“Bringing together air forces from 21 partner nations, the exercise provides a valuable platform for enhancing interoperability, strengthening operational readiness, and deepening defense cooperation through complex tactical flying missions and integrated multinational training,” Basco said.
She said the PAF’s participation in Pitch Black 2026 reflects its “continuing commitment to building a credible, agile, and multi-domain Air Force.”
According to Basco, the exercise will enhance the PAF’s “operational capabilities, strengthening interoperability with allied and partner air forces.”
She added that the training would contribute to the military’s broader objective of “promoting regional security, stability, and a rules-based international order.”