Courtesy: Philippine Air Force
MANILA — A Philippine Air Force (PAF) fighter pilot has become the first Filipino to qualify as a force commander in Exercise Pitch Black, leading a formation of 40 fighter aircraft in one of the world's most complex multinational air combat exercises.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the milestone reflected the Philippines' growing capability to operate alongside advanced air forces and assume more demanding roles in multinational military operations.
"We are very proud to have had the first Filipino fighter pilot to be qualified as a force commander, leading a force of 40 fighter aircraft," Teodoro said after the 3rd Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers' Meeting in Darwin on Friday.
He attributed the achievement to improvements made to the country's current defense systems.
The identity of the pilot was withheld for operational security reasons.
The milestone comes as the PAF participates in the 2026 edition of Exercise Pitch Black, a Royal Australian Air Force-led exercise involving around 80 supersonic aircraft flying complex combat scenarios.
Teodoro, who observed a nighttime sortie at RAAF Base Darwin on Thursday, described the exercise as an "eye-opening experience" because of the level of coordination required among participating forces.
"You have 80 supersonic aircraft in the air... in total darkness. For 90 minutes, each one engages very, very quickly in varied scenarios," he said, calling the exercise "inspiring" and "humbling."
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The defense chief said the drills highlight that modern air operations rely on an entire network of personnel and systems, not just fighter aircraft.
"It's a whole ecosystem that needs to work together… not merely the participation of one, but the crucial participation of all, or else you have an accident or you have a fatality," he said.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Philippine contingent made a significant contribution to the exercise.
Around 200 PAF pilots and support personnel joined the drills, which brought together roughly 2,500 personnel from 21 countries.
"We couldn't be more pleased with the way in which the Philippines have participated, but also more impressed with their ability and skill," Marles said.
This marks the Philippines' second active participation in Exercise Pitch Black after its first deployment in 2024. The country had previously joined earlier iterations of the exercise as an observer.
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