SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Why do more than 20 countries participate in Exercise Pitch Black?

The aircraft images are from the official Defence image gallery and are photos from when the TNI AU T-50i arrived at RAAF Darwin for Exercise Pitch Black, courtesy Wing Commander Steve O’Hara, July 2026.The other image, Wing Commander Steve O’Hara (Centre, in RAAF uniform) at the Indonesian Airforce Command and Staff College in Lembang, Bandung 2022. Private Collection.
The aircraft images are from the official Defence image gallery and are photos from when the TNI AU T-50i arrived at RAAF Darwin for Exercise Pitch Black, courtesy Wing Commander Steve O’Hara, July 2026.The other image, Wing Commander Steve O’Hara (Centre, in RAAF uniform) at the Indonesian Airforce Command and Staff College in Lembang, Bandung 2022. Private Collection.

Every two years, the RAAF hosts an international air exercise in the Northern Territory. For 2026, Pitch Black takes place from July 20 to August 7. Indonesia is one of the 21 countries participating in this exercise. What is the objective of Exercise Pitch Black, and how is it conducted?


Published

Updated

By sri dean

Presented by sri dean

Source: SBS



Skip to podcast episode content

Every two years, the RAAF hosts an international air exercise in the Northern Territory. For 2026, Pitch Black takes place from July 20 to August 7. Indonesia is one of the 21 countries participating in this exercise. What is the objective of Exercise Pitch Black, and how is it conducted?


Wing Commander Steve O’Hara serves as the country Liaison Officer for Indonesia. He outlined the objectives and execution of the exercise, noting that the diverse aircraft types and varying personnel skill levels across the participating nations were all factored into the planning and subsequent execution phases.

This approach ensured that every aspect of the exercise offered value to each participating country. The joint exercise provided an opportunity for mutual acquaintance and learning, ultimately fostering effective cooperation.

What about the Indonesian squadrons involved? Wing Commander Steve O’Hara explains all of that and other related matters in this interview.

Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 3 pm.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to our podcasts.

Latest podcast episodes

Follow SBS Indonesian

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS Indonesian News

Watch it onDemand

Stream now