Eurofighter Jet of Italy crashes in Australia military drill
Exercise Pitch Black is a premier air combat training event hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). This year, it is conducted in Australia from July 12 to August 2, marks the largest iteration in the series’ history, with over 140 aircraft and 4,435 personnel from 20 countries. This year’s participants include nations like India , USA, Japan ,South Korea , Germany and the Philippines.
Indian Air Force has sent a large contingent to the Darwin air base of the Royal Australian Air Force to participate in the biennial Pitch Black exercise. In a first, Bhawana Kanth who was the first female pilot of the IAF to fly Su-30MKI fighters planes is also participating in the exercise Pitch Black.
The IAF contingent comprises of over 150 highly skilled Air Warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts, who will be operating the formidable Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C -17 Globemaster and the IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles. The exercise would provide IAF with an opportunity towards force integration with participating nations and mutual exchange of best practices.
The exercise will be focusing on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and shall facilitate experience enhancement with the IAF’s formidable Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen and Typhoon fighter aircraft.
The event underscores the importance of cooperation and interoperability among the involved countries, with leaders emphasizing partnership and shared values. While not directed at any specific nation, the exercise showcases unity and readiness to counter potential threats, thereby reinforcing regional stability and security.
An Italian Typhoon Eurofighter jet participating in this exercise has crashed Wednesday during a large multinational military exercise in northern Australia, according to defence officials who said the pilot was safe after ejecting from the plane.
It was not known what caused the Eurofighter Typhoon warplane to crash in the middle of a training flight, Italy’s defence ministry said in a brief statement.
“The pilot quickly ejected. He is in good health and is completing medical tests at a hospital” the Italian military said.
Australian emergency responders and defence officials said the aircraft crashed near the northern city of Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 24.
“Defence can confirm an international participant in Exercise Pitch Black 24 is safe and well after ejecting from their aircraft this morning during flying operations,” an Australian defence department official said in a statement.
“All flying for the remainder of the day has been cancelled.”
The Australian defence department said the crash occurred around 10.45 am local time (0115 GMT).
The pilot “made immediate contact with aircrew in the area via radio following their ejection”.
Police said the plane crashed about 18 kilometres (11 miles) southwest of the rural township of Daly River, a cattle farming and fishing hub with a population of less than 500.
“The pilot has been conveyed to hospital for precautionary checks but is otherwise safe and well,” Northern Territory Police said in a statement.
War Games Debut
Exercise Pitch Black, held every two years, prepares for complicated missions involving large numbers of international aircraft, according to the Australian Air Force.
The Italian Air Force was participating in the exercises for the first time.
“We are looking forward to the chance to collaborate and work with so many international partners from this area of the globe, far from our homeland,” Brigadier General Filippo Nannelli said late last week.
The Italian Air Force has provided 21 aircraft for the exercises.
Northern Australia is seen as an increasingly important staging ground for war drills, offering a gateway to potential flashpoints in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
However, recent multinational exercises have been plagued by deadly mishaps.
Three US Marines were killed in August last year when their Osprey aircraft crashed on a tropical island during exercises north of Darwin.
Four Australians died a month earlier when their Taipan helicopter plunged into the sea during night drills off the coast of Queensland.
