Exercise Pitch Black 2024 is an important military exercise concluded in Australia from July 12 to August 2. It was the largest-ever in the 43-year history of this exercise series, which takes place every two years.
This time, China has been left out because of its aggressive actions in the region.
The Indo-Pacific region has become a significant hotspot in recent years. One of the main reasons is the aggressive behavior of China. China has been pushing around the navies of other countries in this area, and it’s become a regular thing. But now, China is facing the consequences.
At the same time, Taiwan is also holding drills against China. This is happening while China’s leader, Xi Jinping, keeps talking about wanting to reunite with Taiwan, which sees itself as a separate country.
The scale of these exercises shows how worried countries are about China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Many Countries Join Forces
Twenty countries are taking part in Exercise Pitch Black 2024. These countries include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, the UK, and the USA. This wide participation shows that China has very few friends in the region.
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This exercise is important because many of these countries have problems with China’s territorial ambitions. For example, India, Japan, and the Philippines have had issues with China. The Philippines is participating in Pitch Black for the first time.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has sent over 150 skilled personnel, including pilots, engineers, and technicians. They will operate the powerful Su-30 MKI fighter jets, along with other support aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster and the IL-78 refueling plane. India has joined this exercise before, in 2018 and 2022.
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The Philippines is sending four FA-50PH light fighters. This is a big deal because it’s the first time they are using their new fighters outside the country. The Philippines wants more advanced fighters to defend against threats, especially from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
European Countries Join In
This year’s exercise also sees European heavyweights like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK getting involved. These countries are worried about China breaking international rules in places like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. These areas are crucial for global maritime trade.
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Italy has sent its aircraft carrier Cavour to the Pitch Black as part of a longer mission around the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, France, Germany, and Spain are conducting a complex air force mission called Pacific Skies. They are training in places like Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Australia, and India.
For the first time, the USA has sent its top fighter jets, the F-22A Raptors, to Pitch Black. These jets have been in Australia before, but they have never officially joined the exercise. The US is showing its commitment by sending its best aircraft to the Indo-Pacific region.
Working Together for Safety
The countries involved in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 stress that their scenarios are not targeted at any single country, such as China. The main goal is to improve how these countries can work together. They need to be ready to operate together in peacetime, so they can support each other if they ever need to fight side by side.
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The primary objective is to enhance and strengthen international cooperation among the air and naval forces of these like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Exercise Pitch Black 2024 is a clear sign that many countries are united against regional security threats. By working together and building strong ties, they send a powerful message of solidarity and readiness in the face of challenges.
This shows that countries in the Indo-Pacific and beyond are taking a proactive approach. They believe it’s better to be prepared and capable of dealing with threats before any unexpected events occur. This exercise is a testament to their commitment to regional security and stability.
