Filipino pilots shine at Australia's Exercise Pitch Black 2026

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) took part in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Darwin, Australia, where Philippine Air Force fighter pilots earned praise from their counterparts for their performance during one of the world's largest multinational air combat exercises.

Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force’s largest international exercise. It is joined by around 100 fighter jets from 21 participating countries, including France, Germany, Japan and more.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Raffy Tima, the first time that AFP members joined in 2024, they were called rockstars—now, they were given more responsibilities because of their formidable presence.

“We are also very proud to have had the first Filipino fighter pilot to be qualified as a force commander, leading a force of 40 fighter aircraft,” Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro said.

The Filipino commander led the aircraft force of 40 during an exercise with 60 participating planes.

Teodoro had been there to witness the fighter pilots, where he also met with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. Marles remarked that the AFP indeed had a significant presence in the exercise meet.

The Philippine Air Force only brought four planes to the exercise, but the contingent had 166 personnel included as support staff.

“Ang tingin nila, ang capability natin is limited, pero with this, parang na recognize nila na kaya nating makipagsabayan with the upgrade na nakuha ng ating FA-50 from 2024 to 2026” said Lt. Col. Mario Mendoza said.

(They think that our capability is limited, but with this, it is like they recognize that we could keep up because of the upgrades made to the FA-50 from 2024 to 2026.)

Major Jul Laiza Camposano-Beran, the first female fighter jet pilot in the Philippines, is also one of the few female pilots in the entire exercise. She expressed the feeling of being in the training summit.

“The rush of emotions, the adrenaline, how you escape if the enemy locks in on you, how you get away from that, how you survive. How can you prolong at least that span of time so you do not die right away,” Camposano-Beran said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The exercise has wrapped up, and Manila's contingent is set to return to the Philippines Friday night. —Jean Mangaluz/LDF, GMA News