THE SKY IS THE LIMIT: PNGDF AT EXCERCISE PITCH BLACK 2026

THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has returned to Exercise Pitch Black 2026, deploying two PAC-750 aircraft and a contingent of aircrew and support personnel to participate in the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier international air combat exercise.

Marking its second participation in the exercise, PNGDF is expanding its contribution through a larger and more diverse team, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional partnerships, enhancing operational capability and supporting security cooperation across the Pacific.

The deployment provides valuable opportunities for PNGDF personnel to work alongside military counterparts from 20 participating nations. Operating both in the air and on the ground, the PNGDF contingent is delivering a vital airlift capability while gaining firsthand experience in multinational operations.

Commanding Officer of the PNGDF Air Transport Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar, said the exercise provides a unique environment for PNGDF personnel to build professional relationships and broaden their operational knowledge.

“When we first participated in 2024, our contingent consisted mainly of aircrew and maintainers,” Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said.

“This year we have brought additional support staff who will help strengthen our integration with partner nations throughout Pitch Black 2026.”

The PNGDF’s PAC-750 aircraft are playing an important role in the exercise’s transport network. Known for their reliability and ability to operate in remote and challenging environments, the aircraft support the movement of personnel and equipment across a wide range of locations.

Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said the aircraft’s short take-off and landing capability makes it particularly well suited to the operating conditions often encountered in Papua New Guinea.

“The PAC-750 gives us the ability to conduct short take-offs and landings, allowing us to deliver aid and support to communities and provinces that may otherwise be difficult to access,” he said.

Beyond flying operations, the exercise has created opportunities for PNGDF and Australian Defence Force personnel to collaborate closely across maintenance, logistics and operational planning functions.

These interactions are helping both forces share expertise, improve interoperability and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s capabilities.

Exercise Pitch Black 2026 reinforces the strong and enduring defence relationship, now a formal alliance, between Papua New Guinea and Australia, while demonstrating PNGDF’s growing contribution to regional security, cooperation and humanitarian support across the Pacific.