Following the experience gained in 2024, it reaffirms its commitment to advanced training in high-intensity real-world environments and its strategic capabilities in scenarios far from the national territory
The Spanish Air Force and Space Force announced its participation in the multinational exercise Pitch Black 26, the largest air maneuver of the Indi-Pacific, taking place at the Darwin and Amberley air bases in northern Australia.
The Air Combat Command (MACOM), responsible for the preparation and training of combat and deployment support units, is forming and leading the Expeditionary Air Group (AA-EXP) that will deploy to Australian territory in the coming weeks. The expeditionary force consists of six Eurofighters from Wing 14, based at Albacete Air Base; two A400Ms from Wing 31, based at Zaragoza Air Base; and one A330 MRTT from Wing 45, located at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base. The deployment is complemented by the personnel necessary to guarantee the operational, logistical, technical, life support, and administrative functions required throughout the operation.
In support of the deployment, the execution of operations, and the subsequent withdrawal, assets and personnel from the Air Deployment Support Squadron (EADA) and the Logistics Center for Armament and Experimentation (CLAEX) are participating, along with an additional A330 aircraft assigned to sustainment duties.
Pitch Black 26 brings together Australian forces, contributing capabilities across the entire spectrum of air power roles, and allied air forces from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, and South Korea, in accordance with the organization and role assignments established by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Participation in this exercise demonstrates the Spanish Air Force and Space's ability to project and sustain air forces from foreign deployment bases, coherently integrating combat, sustainment, and command and control capabilities in complex operational environments.
Read the news on the Spanish Air Force and Space website
