Pacific Skies 2024

27 June-15 August 2024 Global#PacificSkies24

Strengthening partnerships for a secure world

PACIFIC SKIES 2024

Pacific Skies 24 is the largest-ever air exercise held jointly by France, Germany and Spain. Dozens of fighter jets, transport aircraft and large tankers, most of them made by Airbus, are taking part in an around-the-world tour that will take them to four continents. The aim is to demonstrate Europe's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region by focusing on the importance of security cooperation between NATO partners in the region.

The Airbus Services teams will support the global deployment of the main exercises, including Arctic Defender in Alaska (US), Pitch Black in Darwin (Australia) and Tarang Shakti I in Jodhpur, Rajasthan (India). The three air forces, which are also partners in the Future Combat Air System programme, will enhance operational capabilities and demonstrate their ability to work together during a crisis. On this page you will find information about the participating air forces, as well as the latest news, photos and videos related to this global exercise.

≈1,800

Military personnel
4

continents
40

Airbus aircraft

Pitch Black 24: Logistics and maintenance as backbone of a seamless military exercise

German, Spanish and French aircraft participated non-stop in the Pitch Black exercise in Australia. It called for teamwork, efficient logistics and meticulous maintenance to keep the aircraft in the air.

French A400M in Pitch Black: flying a few feet off the ground

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In a fighter-dominated military exercise, a French A400M demonstrates its versatility in Pitch Black, performing tactical flights a few feet off the ground.

Royal Air Force Eurofighter - Pitch Black 2024

Pacific Skies 24: How Airbus serves air forces around the world

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40+ Airbus aircraft across 58,000 km and four continents. Discover the support behind the global Pacific Skies exercises.

Pitch Black 24 – Eurofighter aircraft defend territory from enemy attack

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From Australia, German and Spanish pilots describe how Eurofighter jets defend a country’s territory after enemy attack.

A German Eurofighter in a flight formation during Pitch Black 2024 (© RAAF 2024 - CPL Samuel Miler)

Pitch Black 24 – Why the European air forces are Down Under

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Spanish, French and German aviators, the three nations participating in the Pacific Skies deployment - 4 continents, 58,000 kilometres, a month and a half expedition - have trained in Alaskan airspace alongside the Americans and, after a quick stop in country of the rising sun, are ready for their next challenge in northern Australia: Exercise Pitch Black.

Eurofighter in Pacific Skies taking off | Copyright: Luftwaffe, Sherifa Kästner

Arctic Defender 24: Eurofighter symbiosis with a view

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Arctic Defender, which took place from 8 to 18 July 2024 in Fairbanks, Alaska, was the first leg of one of the largest air exercises to date. René, Field Service Representative, and Sebastian, System Engineer, helped Eurofighter pilots to achieve their mission in Alaska.