Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), presided over the Talk-to-Troops and Send-Off Ceremony on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga. The event marked the departure of the PAF contingent for Exercise Pitch Black 2026.
Commitment to Interoperability and Readiness
The PAF reaffirmed its commitment to enhance interoperability, operational readiness, and professional excellence through participation in the exercise. The delegation, composed of personnel from various units, is supported by PAF air assets.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026
The group will participate in one of the world's premier multinational air combat exercises, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force. The Air Force stated that the exercise provides a valuable platform for advanced air operations training, knowledge exchange, and enhancement of joint and combined operational capabilities in a complex multinational environment.
"Exercise Pitch Black offers a significant opportunity to strengthen interoperability, enhance operational readiness, and improve coalition air operations alongside partner nations," the PAF said.
Capability Development and National Mission
The program is expected to contribute to the PAF's capability development and support its mission of protecting the nation and serving the Filipino people.
