Quezon City (August 13, 2024) – Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. formally welcomed the Philippine Air Force (PAF) contingent following their successful participation in the Pitch Black Exercise 2024 in Australia, marking the Philippines’ inaugural involvement in the multinational exercise with both aircraft and personnel.

During a welcome ceremony and Talk to Troops on Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Secretary Teodoro highlighted the crucial collaboration across the Philippine government that enabled the deployment, emphasizing its significance in bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities.

“This is game-changing, once again, and it is a success of the whole of government, literally, from the diplomatic side, (including) the SOVFA (Status of Visiting Forces Agreement) and the strategic partnership between Australia and us (the Philippines), to the defense side between the Defense Ministry of Australia and us, to the GHQ (General Headquarters), to the Major Service, and the Fighter wings,” Secretary Teodoro said.

The Defense Chief stressed the importance of sustaining such operations and urged for regular joint and combined exercises with like-minded partners.

“And now, the challenge for you is we need to sustain these kinds of operations. We have to make this the new normal. Year in, year out, more joint and combined exercises with like-minded partners,” the SND added.

Addressing ongoing security concerns in the West Philippine Sea, the Secretary reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening the country’s Air Defense Systems, particularly through the acquisition of multi-role fighters (MRFs), to enhance the Philippines’ territorial defense capabilities.

Present at the event were Ambassador of Australia to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner, Jr; Philippine Air Force Commanding General LtGen Stephen Parreño; and senior officials from the Department of National Defense, AFP, and PAF.

Secretary Teodoro expressed his gratitude to the Australian Government for hosting Exercise Pitch Black 2024, which provided an invaluable learning experience for the Filipino troops.

“Again, we thank the Australian Government also for the opportunity once again to expand our skills and horizons. I’m sure it’s a very valuable learning experience and a confidence-building experience, more than anything,” he concluded.

Exercise Pitch Black 2024, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force in the Northern Territory, concluded on August 2, 2024, after three weeks of intense air combat training. The exercise, which began on July 12, included around 4,400 personnel and 140 aircraft from 20 nations, making it the largest in its 43-year history.

The PAF participated with four FA-50PH Fighting Eagle jets and around 162 personnel, marking a significant leap forward in the country’s defense history.