RSAF F-16 preparing for evening launch during Ex Pitch Black 08. An RSAF pilot interacting with his foreign counterparts at Ex Pitch Black 08.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is participating in a large-scale multilateral air combat exercise in Darwin, Australia from 6 to 27 Jun.

Taking part in this biennial exercise, codenamed Exercise Pitch Black 08, are about 3000 personnel and 60 aircraft from the RSAF as well as the French Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

The RSAF has deployed 394 personnel for the exercise, along with fighter, transport, tanker and surveillance aircraft as well as air defence weapon systems.

A regular participant since 1990, Exercise Pitch Black provides the RSAF with an excellent opportunity to conduct large force employment training and enhance interoperability with the other participating forces through combined air operations in day and night operational scenarios. This multilateral exercise also promotes mutual understanding and builds strong friendships amongst the exercise participants.