RSAF Hones Operational Capabilities in Large-Scale Multinational Air Combat Exercise in Australia

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s F-15SG fighter jet training with the United States Air Force's F-22 in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black (XPB) 2024, a biennial large-scale multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Darwin, Australia. Held from 12 July to 2 August 2024, this year’s iteration is the largest in the exercise’s 43-year history as it involves more than 4,400 personnel and over 140 aircraft from 20 participating nations. The exercise provides a realistic and challenging training environment for the participating air forces to pit their air combat skills against simulated threats across a wide range of scenarios, such as air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance missions in both day and night conditions.

The RSAF, a regular participant in XPB, has deployed more than 450 personnel, four F-15SGs, six F-16C/Ds, one G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft, and one A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (A330 MRTT) aircraft. The A330 MRTT will be conducting air-to-air refuelling operations to extend the endurance of fighter aircraft from participating nations and enhance operational competencies through the large-scale air combat training environment. Multiple Ground-Based Air Defence systems, including the SHIKRA and Multi-Mission Radar, the Aster 30, and the SPYDER are also participating in the exercise this year.

The RSAF’s XPB Exercise Director, Colonel Lee Mei Yi, shared her views on the significance of this year’s multilateral exercise. She said, “Exercise Pitch Black is important to the RSAF as it enhances interoperability and cooperation with our international partners on a regular basis, while honing our operational competencies. We also value the opportunity to train alongside the various foreign air forces’ F-35 fighter jets during the exercise, as we look towards emerging and future capabilities. This large-scale air combat exercise will certainly sharpen our skills, refine our tactics, and strengthen our partnerships with other established air forces. We are also grateful to the RAAF for their unwavering support, as well as fostering our close and long-standing defence relations and mutual collaboration over the years.”

Since its inception in 1981, XPB seeks to enhance professionalism, cross-learning, and coordination among participating air forces, while strengthening friendship, mutual trust and close rapport between the airmen and women of the participating nations.

The Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35 fighter jet taking off the runway in Darwin, Australia.

The RSAF’s A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) flying alongside the F-15SG and F-16 fighter jets in Darwin, Australia.

The French Air and Space Force's Rafales conducting air-to-air refuelling with the RSAF's MRTT.

The RSAF's A330 MRTT conducting air-to-air refuelling with the RAAF's F-35A fighter aircraft and the RSAF's F-15SG and F-16C.

The RSAF’s SHIKRA Radar at the Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) Systems Detachment in Bradshaw, Australia.