Australia’s ‘Top Gun’ exercise in Top End reaches unprecedented scale in face of Chinese military build up
EA-18G Growlers of the RAAF refuel from an Australian MRTT in the sky over the Northern Territory. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Fast-jet exercise focuses on interoperability and cooperation between allies amid growing regional security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region.
Exercise Pitch Black, the biennial fast-jet exercise which has been held in Australia for the past 43 years, is currently undertaking the largest event in the series’ history.
The 2024 iteration, being held from 12 July until 2 August, has boasted more than 140 aircraft and some 4,435 personnel from 20 countries.
The Australian-led exercise has enlarged in size and scope over time, correlating with the perceived threat to Asia-Pacific regional security from China’s massive military build up.
Responding to a query from Shephard on the geo-political aspect of Pitch Black 2024, Gp. Cpt. Gary Sadler of the
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![China unveils new military kit and demonstrates technological prowess]()
China unveils new military kit and demonstrates technological prowess
From the J-35A twin-engine fighter and the CH-7 stealth surveillance platform, to the Smart-configuration Support UAV and JARI-USV-A unmanned surface vessel, China has been showcasing its ability to project military power through recent technological innovations.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Babcock Immersive Training Experience debuts in US]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Babcock Immersive Training Experience debuts in US
Named BITE, the system simulates the battlefield environment with multiple sensorial stimuli.
-
![What Saudi Arabia’s GCAP involvement could mean for the UK]()
What Saudi Arabia’s GCAP involvement could mean for the UK
Analysts have said that making space for the country in the sixth-gen fighter aircraft initiative could give the UK a chance to ease the financial burden of the aircraft’s development.
-
![Rheinmetall locks in $950 million purchase of US company to strengthen position]()
Rheinmetall locks in $950 million purchase of US company to strengthen position
Rheinmetall is working to open up the US market and the potential billions of dollars on offer. In order to get in the door it has purchased engineering company Loc Performance Products.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: US Army and University of Southern California to develop portable ship simulator]()
I/ITSEC 2024: US Army and University of Southern California to develop portable ship simulator
The solution will enable training soldiers for multi-domain operations.
-
![Romania signs for 1,059 Otokar Cobra II vehicles]()
Romania signs for 1,059 Otokar Cobra II vehicles
The deal was signed after Otokar became the last bidder standing. The first 278 vehicles will be manufactured in Turkey and the rest built in Romania.
