International Air Forces Arrive In The Top End

What: Personnel and aircraft participating in the Royal Australian Air Force's largest exercise 'Pitch Black', will arrive in the Northern Territory from Monday, 12 July 2004.

Why: Exercise Pitch Black 2004 will see more than 1,500 people and 75 aircraft undertake high complexity air combat training. It will involve personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force, the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, French Air Force and the Royal Air Force.

When: From Monday, 12 July until Sunday, 18 July

Where: RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal

RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory will host approximately 1000 and 700 participants respectively for Exercise Pitch Black, which is scheduled to run from 18 July to 5 August.

Exercise Pitch Black will provide vital training for pilots and ground crew. It will also test Air Force's procedures for deploying away from home bases and its interoperability with other air forces.

Approximately 325 personnel from the Australian Army will take part in the exercise.

Members of the public can call toll free number 1800 301 885 for further information.