PNGDF take flight for Exercise Pitch Black
PERSONNEL from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) yesterday (July 15) departed Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby, for Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026.
The exercise, which occurs every two years, brings together personnel from 20 nations, more than 100 aircraft, and up to 2,500 participants.
Travelling aboard two PNGDF aircraft, pilots and technicians departed Wednesday morning, with additional PNGDF contingent due to depart Wednesday afternoon on a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft. The deployment marks Papua New Guinea's second participation in Exercise Pitch Black following its inaugural involvement in 2024.
Flying activity will involve force integration training between participating nations, as well as large force employment activities using airspace across the Northern Territory, Australia. This critical training activity is designed to test the operational readiness of partners and allies through realistic stimulations and will provide PNGDF personnel a valuable opportunity to further refine their skills in a complex multinational environment.
PNGDF participation comes shortly after the entry into force of the Pukpuk Treaty by Prime Ministers James Marape and Anthony Albanese on July 8, 2026, which formally elevated the PNG – Australia partnership to an Alliance and provides a framework for enhanced defence cooperation into the future.
During Exercise Pitch Black 2024, PNGDF personnel played a crucial role in supporting the response to an incident involving an international participant aircraft in a remote area of the Northern Territory, demonstrating their ability to respond alongside other defence forces quickly and effectively.
The deployment to Exercise Pitch Black 2026 demonstrates Papua New Guinea and Australia’s commitment to respond to shared security challenges and a lasting commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
PNGDF Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar said: “Exercise Pitch Black is the biggest air force-focused exercise in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a privilege for the Air Transport Wing to attend; we attended in 2024 and here in 2026 I see a confident team going down for the exercise, which is a direct result of the partnership with the Defence Cooperation Programme and for the PNGDF Air Element specifically, the Flights of Excellence Programme.”
Defence Cooperation Programme SO1 Air Wing Commander Shane Prior said: “Papua New Guinea’s deployment to Exercise Pitch Black 2026 highlights the enduring partnership between PNG and Australia. Training side by side, the PNGDF and ADF are enhancing our collective ability to work with partners to respond to challenges affecting our shared interests.”
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