DARWIN, Australia – The Royal Air Force recently deployed to the Indo-Pacific in support of Exercises Griffin Strike 24 and Pitch Black 24,in early July 2024.
Exercise Griffin Strike 24 has demonstrated the ability of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force to plan and conduct combined projection of Air Power at distance
Six RAF Typhoons and an RAF A400M deployed to the region, joining NATO Allies and Partners also participating in the exercise, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to deploy a persistent, credible and reliable presence in the Indo-Pacific region when needed. The RAF’s participation also signifies a NATO Ally’s commitment to Alliance cohesion, as it seeks out to participate in multi-national training events, enhancing interoperability and readiness with Allies and Partners.
An RAF Typhoon during the deployment flight to Australia, viewed from a French Air and Space Force A-330 MRTT air-to-air refueling aircraft. Photo by French Air and Space Force.
RAF Airmen maintain a Typhoon at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia. RAF Typhoons and an RAF A400M deployed to the region, joining Allies and Partners, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to deploy a persistent, credible and reliable presence in the Indo-Pacific region . Photo Crown Copyright.
RAF Airmen maintain a Typhoon in support at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia for a night sortie. RAF Typhoons and an RAF A400M deployed to the region demonstrating the UK’s commitment to deploy a persistent, credible and reliable presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Photo Crown Copyright.
Members from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) refuel an F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft at RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory, during Exercise Pitch Black 24.RAAF photo by Annika Smit.
“The exercise [Griffin Strike 24] has demonstrated the ability of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force to plan and conduct combined projection of Air Power at distance,” said Wing Commander Robertson, the commanding officer of the deployed RAF detachment. “It underlines the capability of Air Forces to act together in an integrated manner to protect our interests and reassure allies whilst deterring potential aggressors,” he added.
The deployment to Australia has seen RAF aircraft fly from France to the Middle East, then on to Singapore before finally travelling to Australia so that detachments can participate in Exercise Pitch Black 24 as well.
During the Griffin Strike 24, the RAF detachment travelled nearly 9,000 miles in order to complete the mission, providing vital training for both the RAF and other participating Air Forces, both individually and as a collective.
The RAF will also participate in Pitch Black 24, which runs from July 12 to August 2. This iteration will be the largest in the exercise’s 43-year history and will bring together 20 international participating nations and over 140 aircraft from around the world, with nearly 4500 personnel participating.
Organised by the Australian Air Force, this exercise is held every two years, with a focus on large force employment missions involving large numbers of international aircraft. Besides the UK, Allies Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United States also join the exercise to integrate some of the most advance air combat capabilities in the world.