After Rapid Pacific two years ago, the German Air Force is back in the Indo-Pacific region to conduct exercises with its partners – this time together with other European air forces and with the German Navy. The exercises will see the participants practice low-level flights, air attacks, air defense, and air refueling.
Pacific Skies 24 is a combination of several air force exercises, in which the German, the French and the Spanish air forces take part as European nations. There are five parts to the exercise taking part at five different places worldwide. The German Tornado jets will start to join a low-level flying exercise in Alaska. This will be the last showing of the German Tornado fleet on an international stage. Thereafter the Tornados will be joined by eight German and four Spanish Eurofighter plus four French Rafale jets, four German light helicopters, four German, two Spanish and three French A400M transport and refueling aircraft as well as seven A330 MRTTMulti Role Tanker Transport. They will take part together with the USUnited States in the multinational exercise “Arctic Defender”. This exercise will be led by Germany and serves to train NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization standards.
After that the European partners deploy to Japan, where the German Eurofighter fleet will split up: After refueling and change of crews five jets will deploy further to Australia together with the French and Spanish crews to take part in the multinational air force exercise “Pitch Black”. The remaining three German Eurofighter jets will stay in Japan to train together with the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) in the exercise “Nippon Skies”. After this historic event – for the first time German fighter jets will train in Japanese air space - these three jets will deploy to Hawaii to train together with the German Navy and international partners in the exercise “Rimpac”. The German-French team in Australia deploys further to India, where the Indian Air Force led exercise “Tarang Shakti Phase 1” will take place.
Pacific Skies 24 was designed because of the special importance of security cooperation with Germany’s partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Through joint training, the partners will increase their operational capability and prove that in an emergency they will be able to enforce the principles of a rules-based international order.
“By participating in Pacific Skies 24, we as Europeans are showing presence in a part of the world that is of great importance to all of us. We will deploy to the Indo-Pacific region together with Spain and France and take part in five different exercises.”
On the way to the podium, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz is accompanied by an Indian officer
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz gives a lecture on Pacific Skies 24 at the Indian Leadership Academy
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
Around 500 aspiring Indian officers are closely following the words of the German Air Chief
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
The first Eurofighter from Tactical Air Force Squadron 71 taxis to the runway to begin its training flight
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
At the start of the "Tarang Shakti" exercise, the first Eurofighter takes off from Sulur Air Force Base in India
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
Dr. Philipp Ackermann and Indian Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari welcome Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz at Sulur Air Base in India
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
The first German Eurofighter lands at Sulur Air Base in India
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
Two Eurofighters from Tactical Air Force Squadron 71, as well as a French Rafale and an Indian Tejas, fly in formation over Sulur Air Force Base in India at the start of the exercise.
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
The closing ceremony on 2 August officially marks the end of the Air Force exercise Pitch Black 24 in Australia
Bundeswehr
Australian Air Commodore Pete Robinson at the closing ceremony of exercise Pitch Black 24 on 2 August 2024 with the German command from Wittmund
Bundeswehr
Colonel Andersen, Commander of Tactical Air Wing 71 "Richthofen", thanks Australian Air Commodore Pete Robinson for his hospitality at the closing ceremony of the multinational air exercise Pitch Black 24
Bundeswehr
On August 2, 2024, Australian Air Commodore Pete Robinson makes a statement at the final press conference of exercise Pitch Black 24
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
Visit of the Korean Lieutenant General Kim Hyoung Soo to the German contingent in Australia. Commodore, Colonel Andersen, from Tactical Air Force Squadron 71 "Richthofen" receives the distinguished guest.
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
On August 1, 2024, Colonel Anderson of Tactical Air Squadron 71 "Richthofen" shows Korean Lt. Gen. Kim Hyoung Soo the German Eurofighter during exercise Pitch Black 24
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
On August 1, 2024, Korean Lieutenant General Kim Hyoung Soo visited the German contingent at Exercise Pitch Black Australia, where he was welcomed by the Commodore of Tactical Air Squadron 71 "Richthofen"
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
The Inspector of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, Richard Males, at the Friendship Run for Australian Veterans
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
The Inspector of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, during the Friendship Run in Darwin, Australia. The run, which takes place parallel to Pitch Black24, highlights the concerns of Australian veterans.
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
The Chief of the Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappel, and the Inspector of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, at the Friendship Run on August 1st. The run aims to raise awareness of the issues facing Australian veterans.
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
A C-130J transport aircraft lands in Australia at Pitch Black 24 on July 30, 2024. On board is the Air Force inspector, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, who would like to visit the German contingent on the Pitch Black 24 exercise.
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
A C-130J lands in Australia at Pitch Black on July 30, 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
A C-130J transport aircraft lands in Australia at Pitch Black 24 on July 30, 2024. On board is the Air Force inspector, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, who would like to visit the German contingent on the Pitch Black 24 exercise.
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
A C-130J transport aircraft lands in Australia at Pitch Black 24 on July 30, 2024. On board is the Air Force inspector, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, who would like to visit the German contingent on the Pitch Black 24 exercise.
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
The fighter jets in the parking position on July 29 during Pitch Black 24
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
A German Eurofighter in the air during exercise Pitch Black 24 together with an Airbus A330 MRTTMulti Role Tanker Transport (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) tanker aircraft of the French Air Force and Indian SU-30 fighter aircraft
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
German Eurofighter in flight during exercise Pitch Black 24
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
A Eurofighter pilot shortly before take-off
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
At the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Darwin, where the German contingent is stationed at Pitch Black 24, a Dessault Mirage III is on display
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
Shortly after the arrival of an Australian C-130 transport aircraft
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
Helmet of a technician from the Eurofighter ground crew with Pitch Black 24 sticker
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
In the background, an F-35 of the Italian Air Force rolls towards its parking position, while in the foreground an Italian Eurofighter stands
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
After completing the flight on the German Eurofighter at Pitch Black 24, the French pilot will receive a certificate from the German pilot on July 26, 2024.
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
At Pitch Black 24, the exchange between partners is very important. A German Eurofighter pilot was allowed to fly in the back seat of a French Rafale.
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
A French technician explains the Rafale to a German. Cross servicing is the process of training soldiers from other nations to handle other nations' aircraft.
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
A French pilot flies in the back seat of a Eurofighter at Pitch Black 24
Bundeswehr
On 23.07.2024 a German A400M arrived in Japan.
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
During "Nippon Skies 2024", the German and Japanese air forces reinforce their cooperation and partnership.
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
After the press conference on 23.07.2024, the air chief of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, exchanged exchanges with the German soldiers in Japan.
Bundeswehr/Francis Hildemann
The German Eurofighters on their way to another mission for Pitch Black 2024
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
Planning is key in multinational air exercises. Here, a soldier plans a mission for Pitch Black 2024.
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
Flight preparation for a Eurofighter during the Air Force exercise Pitch Black 24 on 25 July 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
Entrance to the German camp at the Royal Australian Air Force air base in Darwin. This is where the parts of the Tactical Air Force Wing 71 "Richthofen" from Wittmund that are taking part in the Pitch Black 2024 exercise are housed.
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
An F-15 takes off at sunset at Pitch Black on July 22, 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
A Sukhoi Su-30 of the Indian Air Force takes off at Pitch Black at sunset on 22.07.2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
An EA - 18G Growler launches into the sunset at Pitch Black on 22.07.2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
A Philippine T-50-PH fighter jet lands at Pitch Black 2024 on July 22, 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
An F-35B of the Italian Navy lands at Pitch Black 2024 on July 22, 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
A Eurofighter from Tactical Air Force Wing 71 "Richthofen" lands at Pitch Black 2024 on July 22, 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
An AV-8B Harrier II launches as part of Pitch Black on July 22, 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
An F-15 launches at Pitch Black 2024 on July 22, 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
An F-16 from Singapore takes off during exercise Pitch Black on 22 July 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
On July 20, 2024, German Eurofighters will land in Australia for the Pitch Black 2024 exercise. In the background you can see a Japanese Boeing E-767, which is used for airspace surveillance.
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
On 20 July 2024, the German Eurofighters arrived at Darwin Air Base for the Pitch Black 2024 exercise, while Australian air safety ensured that everything ran smoothly
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
Arrival of the German Eurofighter and the French Rafale in Australia on July 20, 2024
Bundeswehr/Daniel Redell
A German and Spanish Eurofighter and a French Rafale approaching Darwin Air Base in Australia on July 20, 2024
Bundeswehr/Jan Hartmann
Welcoming German and Spanish Eurofighters at the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Darwin, Australia, for the Pitch Black 2024 exercise
Bundeswehr/Jan Hartmann
A Eurofighter is guided to its airfield parking space following its arrival at the Royal Australian Air Force base in Darwin, Australia, on July 20, 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
Press statement after the German and Spanish Eurofighters, as well as the French Rafales for Pitch Black 2024, arrived on July 20, 2024
Bundeswehr/Cora Mohrdieck
The joint exercises with the allies are fundamental in order to be able to act efficiently. Safe action in a network is the end product of multinational cooperation.
Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace/Remi Najean
American Navy maintenance personnel are part of the Arctic Defender 2024 exercise. You are responsible for the F-18.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
A USUnited States NAVY F-18 after taking off from Eielson Air Base in Alaska.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
Together with their Canadian, American, French and Spanish comrades, the German units will be practicing in the “Arctic Defender 2024” exercise in Alaska over the next few days.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
A German Eurofighter and a French Rafale taxi to the runway to begin the first take-off phase of the day. They are training together at the Arctic Defender 2024 exercise in Alaska.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
The German and Spanish maintenance comrades support each other during the exercise "Arctic Defender 2024". This is what is known as combined maintenance.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius landed in Fairbanks, Alaska on July 7, 2024 to visit the soldiers during the “Arctic Defender” exercise
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
Before the NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Washington, the Defense Minister visits soldiers at the Arctic Defender 2024 exercise
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius gave his first words immediately after landing in Alaska on July 7, 2024
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
Fairbanks Alaska welcomed the Secretary of Defense Boris Pistorius during Pacific Skies 2024
Bundeswehr/Christian Timmig
Alaska offers the best conditions for a low-level flight exercise
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
During the deployment Pacific Skies 24, the Tactical Air Wing 33 conducts low-level flight exercises
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
During Pacific Skies 24, the maintenance squadrons work at different locations around the world
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
During the deployment Pacific Skies 24 an engine has to be replaced. Several specialist areas of the maintenance squadron are involved.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
The low-level exercise as part of the “Pacific Skies 24” deployment in Alaska begins. This is the last major international deployment, in which the German Tornado fleet takes part.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
The Tornado fighter planes are lined up at the Air Force Base in Alaska - Anchorage. Ready for your use in the low-altitude flight exercise.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
For the deployment exercise "Pacific Skies 24" three more Tornado jets of the Tactical Air Wing 33 flew to Anchorage in Alaska
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
The low-level exercise as part of “Pacific Skies 24” in Alaska begins. The low-level flights will be trained in Alaska for the first time.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
Tornado jets arriving in the afternoon: The Tactical Air Force Squadron 33 landed at Elmendorf Air Force Base. These will take part in the low level exercise in Anchorage, Alaska.
Bundeswehr/Sherifa Kästner
At the start of exercise Pacific Skies 24, the first Tornado fighter aircraft takes off from Nörvenich Air Base in Germany towards Alaska, USA
Bundeswehr/Luftwaffe
The first Tornados began the complex deployment to Alaska from Germany to train NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization standards with allies
Bundeswehr/Luftwaffe
The Tornado fighter aircraft are at the first training site of the five-part deployment Pacific Skies 24, now for low-altitude flight training in Alaska
Bundeswehr/LuftwaffeThe most important facts about the largest exercise project of the German Air Force in 2024
„Low Level Training”: German Air Force tornado aircraft will practice low-level flying in Alaska from 17 to 29 June
„Arctic Defender”: air-to-air combat in Alaska from 8 to 18 July
„Nippon Skies”: joint training flights with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force from 22 to 25 July
„Pitch Black”: multinational air combat exercise in Australia from 22 July to 1 August
„Rimpac”: cooperation with the German Navy in Hawaii from 22 to 30 July
The German Air Force is a so-called first responder. This means that in a crisis it is one of the first forces to arrive on site. It must therefore be able to deploy rapidly and flexibly all over the world. During Pacific Skies, it will demonstrate this capability together with partners it cooperates and shares the same values with. Training together with partners in the Indo-Pacific region will test and extend interoperability, i.e. effective cooperation between the allied air forces.
Moreover, Germany together with France and Spain will demonstrate Europe's dedication to the Indo-Pacific region.
