Sun, beach and jets: Pitch Black exercise participants at Mindil Beach Flying Display

During the Pitch Black exercise in northern Australia, the German Air Force, together with 19 partner nations, trains aerial combat scenarios and thus increases its interoperability. At the Mindil Beach Flying Display on 18 July 2024, spectators were able to gather great impressions of the many different aircraft of the participating nations. 

In the picturesque bay of Mindil Beach with its white sands and setting sun, about 45 aircraft impressed the visitors of the flying display, which takes place every two years. The aircraft, consisting of combat aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters, drew thousands of spectators from all over the world to Mindil Beach in Darwin, Northern Territory. Along with the Open Day at the Royal Australian Air Force Air Base in Darwin, the flying display gave the Australian population and many holidaymakers the opportunity to get a better idea of the Pitch Black exercise. While civilians usually only hear and see the combat and transport aircraft from afar, visitors at the flying display were able to marvel at the different aircraft from close range as they watched them performing impressive low-level flight manoeuvres.

German backpacker meets German Air Force in Australia

Backpacker Viktoria W. from Germany, who wanted to see the jet aircraft at close range, was one of these visitors. As part of her work and travel stay, she is currently working in Darwin and was asked by her Australian landlord and landlady whether she would like to accompany them to the flying display. Since she knew jet aircraft only from afar, it was not a difficult choice. Viktoria, however, is far from being the only one who can speak German here. 

Another spectator was 13-year-old Scott who participates in the Australian Air Force Cadet Programme and at the same time learns German at a language school. In the Air Force Cadet Programme, 12- to 18-year-olds learn the theoretical fundamentals of military aviation and are prepared for their later service in the Australian Air Force. The Mindil Beach Flying Display was particularly interesting for Scott since he was able to marvel at foreign aircraft which he only knew from pictures. 

Europeans are welcome guests during Pitch Black

Aircraft enthusiasts in large numbers flocked to Mindil Beach. Among them was aircraft aficionado and aerospace engineer John T. from Melbourne. He was particularly pleased that the German Air Force also participated in the display hosted by its partner Australia, with whom Germany shares common values: 

“It is great that the Germans are coming to Australia. In the past, we could only admire Australian, American and Asian aircraft. This has now changed as Europeans focus more on the Indo-Pacific region and have established a presence here with their air forces. At the Mindil Beach Flying Display, I am particularly fascinated by the wide variety of aircraft types.” 

In addition to all the impressive aircraft, the Mindil Beach Flying Display is also characterized by its cultural offering and its many food stalls. While it is currently summer in Germany, it is winter in Down Under, which is why many Australians from the South travel to Darwin in the Northern Territory where temperatures stay summer-like even in winter.

The interviews were conducted in English and translated into German.

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by Cedric Kortenbruck