The Philippine Air Force (PAF) highlighted its growing capabilities and stronger interoperability with partner air forces after nearly a month of training alongside more than 20 countries in Exercise Pitch Black 2026–the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier biennial multinational air combat exercise.
The Philippines participated in the exercise with four FA-50 fighter jets, one C-130 transport aircraft, and around 200 pilots and support personnel.
Lt. Col. Mario Mendoza Jr., spokesperson for the PAF PBK 2026 Contingent, said the country’s second active participation in the exercise allowed Filipino airmen to build on the experience gained during their first deployment in 2024, as the PAF continues its shift toward territorial defense.
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“Noong 2024, baguhan pa lamang tayo sa Exercise Pitch Black. Pero ngayong 2026, nakita natin kung ano pa ‘yung mga pagbabago na pwede nating gawin para mas lalong maging epektibo ang Philippine Air Force sa kanyang mission, lalo na ngayong panahon na nag-e-evolve na rin ang mga threats sa ating national security,” Mendoza told reporters in Darwin, Australia on Thursday.
The drills included force integration training during the first phase, followed by the large force exercise, where participating air forces carried out complex scenarios involving both daytime and nighttime operations.
Mendoza said one of the major developments this year was the expanded role of the PAF’s FA-50 fighter jets, which were utilized not only for strike missions but also for defensive counter-air operations.
“Dati, ginagamit ang ating F-A-50 bilang strike aircraft. Pero ngayon, ginagamit na rin ito for defensive counter-air, kung saan pinoprotektahan natin ang isang bahagi ng airspace laban sa mga threats. Nakita nila na kaya nating makipagsabayan,” he said.
‘NO AIRCRAFT FALLOUT’
According to Mendoza, the PAF’s performance during the exercise demonstrated the reliability of its aircraft and personnel, with all four FA-50s completing their missions without any aircraft fallout.
“Ang isa sa tumatak ngayon ay ang pagiging reliable ng ating Philippine Air Force. Dahil dito sa apat nating F-A-50, wala tayong naging fallout. Ibig sabihin, maganda ang maintenance natin at nailipad natin ang lahat ng missions natin,” he said.
Exercise Pitch Black also allowed Filipino pilots to take on greater responsibilities in multinational operations, including leading formations composed of aircraft from different countries.
“Dati, member lang tayo ng isang flight team. Ngayon, mayroon na tayong mga piloto na nag-li-lead ng strike package kasama ang iba’t ibang bansa. Ibig sabihin, nakikita nila ang ating improvement, professionalism, at pinagkakatiwalaan nila tayo,” Mendoza said.
He added that the PAF was also able to maximize upgrades to the FA-50, including the use of its data link capability, which improved situational awareness and coordination with partner air forces.
For Mendoza, the exercise showed that a smaller air force can still make a meaningful contribution in multinational operations.
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“Hindi ibig sabihin na maliit ang isang air force, maliit din ang capability nito. Ang mahalaga ay kung paano mo ginagamit ang capability na mayroon ka. Nakikita natin ngayon na kinikilala nila ang ating professionalism at kakayahan,” he said.
‘A PRIVILEGE AND A TEST OF SKILLS’
Maj. Jul Laiza Camposano-Beran, the PAF’s first female jet fighter pilot, described her first-ever participation in a multinational exercise such as Pitch Black as both a privilege and a test of her skills.
Camposano-Beran said training with foreign fighter pilots, particularly during dogfighting exercises, pushed her to overcome the pressure of operating in a high-intensity environment.
“Noong first week pa lang namin, ‘yung lesson namin ay dogfighting. Kinabahan talaga ako dahil first time kong makipaglaban sa ibang bansa sa ganitong exercise,” she recalled.
She shared that even experienced pilots still feel nervous before entering the cockpit.
“Bago sumakay ng cockpit, pabalik-balik pa ako sa CR [comfort room] at nanginginig ‘yung kamay ko. Pero pag-upo ko sa cockpit at paglipad, nawawala ‘yung kaba at napapalitan ito ng focus at adrenaline,” Camposano-Beran said.
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She added that the experience gave her the opportunity to assess her capabilities against international counterparts, and learn new tactics and procedures.
“Halos lahat naman kami na naka-experience ng dogfighting with other aircraft ay natuto. Maganda ito para makita kung ano ang capabilities nila at kung paano rin kami patuloy na mag-improve,” she said.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is expected to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Darwin on Friday, August 7.